By Kumo Amgbare
CP Daniel Iyamah has officially assumed duty as the new Commissioner of Police for Bayelsa State, becoming the 38th officer to hold the position.
The handover took place Friday, with Iyamah succeeding Francis Idu, who has been elevated to Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) and transferred to head the Police Training College in Kaduna.
Addressing officers and stakeholders, CP Iyamah called for policing approaches that are adaptive, inclusive, and responsive to the state’s distinct security landscape marked by vast waterways, oil and gas infrastructure, and a dynamic youth population.
He reaffirmed that protecting lives, property, and critical national assets is the Nigeria Police Force’s foremost mandate, adding that he has received detailed briefings on ongoing challenges.
Having previously served in Bayelsa as Deputy Commissioner in the State Criminal Investigation Department and as Deputy Commissioner of Police, Iyamah said he is well-acquainted with the terrain and committed to strengthening security measures decisively.
The new commissioner proclaimed a zero-tolerance stance on violent crimes and organised criminality, citing kidnapping, armed robbery, sea piracy, and illegal firearms possession as key targets.
He also ordered a robust crackdown on economic sabotage, including pipeline vandalism, crude oil theft, illegal refining activities, and related offences.
Additionally, preventive strategies will address inter-communal clashes, youth unrest, and potential election-related tensions to preserve peace statewide.
Iyamah appealed to the public for partnership, encouraging residents to supply timely, credible intelligence, cooperate with personnel, and promote harmony in their localities.
In his remarks, outgoing AIG Francis Idu urged the rank and file to rally behind the new leadership and foster stronger inter-agency cooperation to ensure the safety of Bayelsa and it’s environs.
