{
  "id": 593935,
  "title": "Abia will not serve as safe haven for criminal elements – New CP",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/abia-will-not-serve-as-safe-haven-for-criminal-elements-new-cp-593935",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-11T19:24:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/abia-will-not-serve-as-safe-haven-for-criminal-elements-new-cp/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Commissioner of Police for Abia State, CP Wilfred Afolabi, has declared that the state will not become a safe haven for criminals. During his first briefing with senior officers, Afolabi pledged to oversee an accountable, professional and intelligence-driven police force dedicated to protecting lives and property. He warned against extortion and vowed to make life difficult for criminals in Abia. Afolabi stressed that integrity, law enforcement without bias, and safeguarding residents' lives and property were his main goals. He urged officers to avoid corrupt practices and actions that could tarnish the command's reputation, emphasizing that accountability and professionalism were non-negotiable. Intelligence-led policing would be the foundation of the command's strategy, and officers were directed to undergo regular training in intelligence gathering, investigations, crime mapping, prevention, human rights, electoral laws, and emotional intelligence. The CP also highlighted the importance of collaboration with community stakeholders and sister security agencies to foster public trust. Afolabi called for strict enforcement of traffic laws and commended the state governor for his contributions to development and security. He affirmed that Abia State would not be a refuge for criminals and assured residents of intensified, intelligence-driven policing to combat crime and bolster public confidence.",
  "summary": "Abia State’s new Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, vows to make Abia uncomfortable for criminals, focusing on intelligence-led policing and safeguar Read More: https://punchng.com/abia-will-not-serve-as-safe-haven-for-criminal-elements-new-cp/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Abia will not serve as safe haven for criminal elements – New CP",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/abia-will-not-serve-as-safe-haven-for-criminal-elements-new-cp",
        "published": "2026-08-11T19:02:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}