By Shedrack Frank
Yenagoa, Jan. 2, 2026 (NAN)
The Bayelsa State Police Command has undergone a leadership transition, welcoming Commissioner of Police (CP) Daniel Iyamah, who assumed duty on Friday. He takes over from Francis Idu, who has been promoted to the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG). This change comes at a critical juncture for the Niger Delta state, where security dynamics are uniquely complex.
In his inaugural address, CP Iyamah immediately highlighted the distinct challenges of policing Bayelsa. He noted that the state’s vast waterways, critical oil and gas installations, and a large, vibrant youth population demand a policing strategy that is not just reactive, but adaptive, inclusive, and technologically savvy. This trifecta of challenges—geography, high-value economic assets, and demography—creates a security environment where conventional crime blends with sophisticated economic sabotage and potential civil unrest.
“The security of lives, property, and these critical national assets remains our non-negotiable priority,” Iyamah stated, adding that he had received comprehensive briefings on the state’s prevailing security issues. His familiarity with the terrain is not incidental; CP Iyamah is returning to familiar ground. Having previously served in Bayelsa as Deputy Commissioner in the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) and later as Deputy Commissioner of Police, he brings institutional memory and a nuanced understanding of local tensions. “This prior experience informs my resolve to decisively improve the existing security architecture,” he affirmed.
The new Commissioner outlined a clear, multi-pronged operational focus. First, a zero-tolerance stance towards violent and organized crime, explicitly naming kidnapping, armed robbery, sea piracy, and the illegal possession of firearms. Second, a firm directive to officers to confront economic sabotage head-on, including pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, and illegal refining (often referred to as “kpo-fire”). These activities not only deprive the nation of revenue but also cause devastating environmental pollution.
Beyond enforcement, Iyamah emphasized preventive policing. He plans to apply proactive measures to manage inter-communal tensions—often rooted in land or resource disputes—youth-related disturbances, and the ever-present potential for election-related conflicts. This approach suggests a shift towards community intelligence and engagement to de-escalate situations before they erupt into violence.
Central to this strategy is a call for public partnership. CP Iyamah urged Bayelsa residents to act as active stakeholders in their own security by providing timely and credible information to the police, cooperating with officers, and championing peace within their communities. This appeal recognizes that police effectiveness in a complex environment like Bayelsa is heavily dependent on community trust and collaboration.
The outgoing CP, now AIG Francis Idu, in his farewell remarks, charged officers to extend the same cooperation to the new Commissioner. He also stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration with other security services like the Navy, Army, and Department of State Services (DSS), underscoring that the safety of Bayelsa is a collective enterprise.
Analysis: The appointment of CP Daniel Iyamah represents more than a routine change of guard. It places a leader with specific local experience at the helm to tackle Bayelsa’s unique security quilt. His immediate focus on economic crimes aligns with national imperatives, while his emphasis on prevention and community policing addresses the root causes of local instability. His success will hinge on translating these stated priorities into actionable, sustained operations that build public confidence and deter criminal elements across both land and the sprawling waterways.
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
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