Delta Banks Face Urgent Police Order for Tighter Security Amid Growing Threats

The Delta State Police Command has directed banks to implement robust security measures to curb criminal activities during the ember months.

The directive was issued on Tuesday in Asaba by the Delta State Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, during a strategic security meeting with members of the state’s Bankers’ Forum.

According to Abaniwonda, the meeting was convened to strengthen the security of financial institutions ahead of the upcoming Yuletide season.

The CP, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that it is important for banks to install advanced and functional CCTV cameras in their banking environments.

The DCP Operations reiterated the command’s commitment to the fight against crime and criminality in the state, noting that the meeting is just a tip of the iceberg in the proactive measures being taken to ensure a crime-free ’ember’ period.

“The installation of advanced and functional CCTV cameras in the banking environment is very important to support the effort of the police in monitoring what goes on in the banking environment.

“In a proactive move, [we are] aware of the fact that we are already in the ember months which in the past have witnessed increased influx of people into the state and also likely increased activities of criminals.

“[We are] aware of the fact that the command and Asaba are bounded by the East, Edo and other parts of the country, it is important for these security strategies to be reviewed.”

The chief security officer of the Delta State branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mrs Evangeline Patrick, speaking on behalf of others, commended the command for the initiative and stated that they do not release cash to banks that are not armed with an adequate number of policemen on special escort.

Also in attendance were the chief security officer of the CBN branch in Asaba, Delta and 39 heads of banks across the state.