By Steve Uzoechi
Following the #EndSARS protest that happened in October 2020 and the April 5, 2021 prison break in Owerri, the Imo state capital, security of lives and property drastically took a plunge in the state.
At the time, the name ‘Imo State’ conjured images of unease in the minds of Nigerians across the country, as armed attacks by terror elements, arson and extrajudicial killings took centre stage in the once acclaimed, most peaceful state in Nigeria.
The issue of heavy-handed policing tactics complicated the situation even further and fostered a climate of fear, pushing a wedge between the public and the very institution meant to protect them.
In all of these, the citizens and residents of Imo state were the victims and the worst hit in that season of distress.
There were rampant and arbitrary killings by state and non-state actors, with known and unknown gunmen wielding and using automatic weapons freely in the state. The chaotic situation made it almost impossible for law- abiding citizens to seek and get redress for the many injustices meted out to them, as even some officers of the law, became a law unto themselves.
Only those who witnessed this phase of horror in the state can fully appreciate why Imo people would literally roll out the drums for CP Aboki Danjuma whose new leadership of the police in the state is considered a refreshing bust of fresh air.
CP Danjuma resumed as Commissioner of Police in Imo state in November 2023 and immediately carved a niche for himself as professional Police officer with tangible and compelling results.
By April 2024, barely five months after assuming office as CP Imo state, Danjuma emerged a nominee for the “Police Commissioner of the Year” award at the maiden Nigeria Police Awards and Commendation ceremony held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja. Five months was enough to see Danjuma’s sterling trajectory and he has stayed the course since then.
To say the least, a new chapter of Policing is being written in Imo state, spearheaded by a police chief who is determined to push the limits and rewrite the narrative.
CP Danjuma isn’t your typical police chief. He’s a champion for human rights, a relentless advocate for professionalism, and a visionary leader who understands that true and functional security hinges largely on building trust with the people and community.
While siding with the people, Danjuma is the dread of every criminal in Imo state; and would also not hesitate to wield the big stick against any errant Policeman under his command, which is why he is dismantling the legacy of fear, brick by brick.
There were those days citizens hesitated to report crimes, fearing retribution from the very force meant to serve them? That era is over. CP Danjuma established emergency hotlines and accessible complaint channels, empowering the public to be partners in their own safety. This simple act sent a clear and powerful message, that under his watch, every policeman must be accountable.
His commitment goes beyond mere pronouncements. He spearheaded investigations into several past allegations of misconduct, a bold move that has become a major boost to public confidence. For Danjuma, The days of unchecked powers are over in the Imo police command.
The Police Chief however, doesn’t operate in a silo. Recognizing the value of collaboration, CP Danjuma fosters a united front against crime. Local vigilantes and sister security agencies work hand-in-hand with the police, dismantling the “us vs. them” mentality that plagued the past. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility for security.
His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed. Residents report a renewed sense of security, a feeling of being heard and protected. Crime rates are declining, and a sense of trust is slowly being rebuilt.
Just last month, a civil society organization, Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) known for interrogating activities in the Nigerian Police Force and pushing for enduring reforms in the operations of the country’s security forces, in a rare show of acclamation honoured CP Aboki Danjuma with a special award in recognition of his professional and responsible leadership, and for excelling in crime fighting and human rights protection.
In the course of the citizens-Police dialogue that held same day, the Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma had this to say about the Imo CP: “The CP is always willing and open to engage, to discuss and to listen. And he has taken prompt actions in response to complaints that members of the public have sent to him regarding acts of misconduct and corrupt practices by certain personnel under the command.
“The CP has proved himself as a consummate professional who does not tolerate abuse. He is taking measures to instill a culture of respect for human rights by police officers.
“Mindful of our horrible experiences of the recent past, under his leadership, we have seen great reduction in human casualties. We what it used to be and we know where we are coming from. This is why we are happy that there is a refreshing new dawn in Imo with regards to policing the state.
“The days are gone when police officers molest and extort citizens and go unpunished. Every report or complaint I have personally brought to the attention of the CP regarding acts of misconduct, corruption and abuse of police power have been promptly attended to and decisively dealt with. Many bad eggs involved have been subjected to disciplinary actions. This is a sharp departure from the past. And we thank the CP for his demonstrated commitment to professionalism and respect for human rights.”
The results are undeniable. The once fearful whispers have morphed into a chorus of cautious optimism. Though the battle is far from over, the people of Imo are starting to show signs of trust for the police again, a feeling they haven’t experienced in years.
In his characteristic style, CP Danjuma would often dispense with bureaucratic protocols to intervene in matters of security; he answers his calls promptly regardless of who is calling and patiently hears out every complaint or concern, and immediately initiates necessary intervention or remedial action, as the case may be.
The Danjuma story is more than a local success story; it’s a lighthouse for a nation yearning for reform. He’s a testament to the transformative power of ethical leadership, proving that respect for human rights and professionalism are not mutually exclusive, but rather the cornerstones of effective policing.
Several instances abound of Danjuma’s firm professionalism of which this space cannot contain, but a few recent incidents may suffice:
Tochukwu Ukazu, an America returnee, his wife and four-year old son were transiting from Umuahia to Asaba; around Obowo, they were flagged down by a police team. One thing led to the other, the police team allegedly brutalized Ukazu in the presence of his wife and kid. The kid was traumatized. They eventually forced him to pay them N100,000 before they let him go. Ukazu and family were so terrified by the incident that they left the country as soon as they could. On the strength of a complaint made by Lagos-based Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) via phone call, CP Danjuma apologized on behalf of the Police, immediately swung into action and arrested all the offending policemen in a matter of days. They are presently undergoing Orderly Room Trial at the command.
Similarly, Mrs. Faustina Amaefula, a poor woman who sold ‘Akara’ (bean cake) for a living at Ogbaku in the Mbaitoli Council Area of Imo state was dragged to the Imo police command and detained by a ‘big shot’, Obioma Nlem who vowed to ‘deal with her’. What was her offence? The son of the ‘big shot’ was allegedly trying to compel Mrs. Faustina’s son to join a cult group and in the process knocked out one of his teeth. Mrs. Faustina reported the case to Ogbaku police station and the ‘big shot’ father of the suspect felt insulted that the poor woman had the effrontery to report his son to the police. So he used his influence to cause the arrest of Mrs. Faustina and dumped her in a cell at the police headquarters, Owerri, thereby denying her injured son justice and medical care. In spite of her tears, Mrs. Faustina was exploited and forced to pay N50,000 to secure her freedom.
Immediately CP Danjuma got wind of the incident from a citizen, he ordered the refund of the N50,000 to Mrs. Faustina and all her transport expenses paid back to her in full. He directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Administration) to investigate the role of the police officers involved in the incarceration and exploitation of Mrs. Faustina.
The CP also ordered that the actual suspect be arrested and the case transferred back to Ogbaku Police Division, stressing that the matter should be charged to court after investigation.
A forensic Analyst, Mr. Iyke Ehirim who is familiar with events around the security space in Imo described Danjuma as a highly disciplined professional who is tactically and operationally sound. “He is an exemplary police officer whose humanity shines through his policing. He is intentional about improving the human rights records and ratings of the Imo state Police command and there is no better way of getting the people to own the fight against insecurity, than showing them that their protection is your first priority. This has endeared him to the Imo public and the Civil Society. Danjuma is also sensitive and responsive to the welfare of his men. He pays attention to little things that others naturally gloss over, and would swiftly address as many as are within his powers. I remember when he was taking a look around the command after he resumed duty as CP, he noticed that the men on guard duty at the gate had little or no ventilation, he faulted it and ordered that a vent and fans to be installed for them. It may not be much, but it was a first impression that inspired confidence among the men. Since then, he has served just seven months in Imo and has posted landmark breakthroughs in crime fighting and human rights protection. Today, it seems like almost everyone around the security space in the state, who knew the reality in Imo before now, has one good story or the other to tell about CP Aboki Danjuma.”
The stories are endless; nevertheless, it is not yet uhuru. Challenges remain; there are still a few indeterminate territories and areas of security concern in the state, and a number of self-antagonizing policemen still abound in the Force, but with CP Danjuma leading the charge, Imo State is on a path of transformation.
The atmosphere of fear is dissipating, replaced by a burgeoning sense of safety. In this new era, the people and the police are gradually aligning for a common goal – a safer, more secure Imo State. And while the war against insecurity may not be entirely over, under CP Aboki Danjuma’s leadership, a decisive victory for the people of Imo state seems well within reach.
Culled and adapted from NEW TELEGRAPH.
Written by Steve Uzoechi.
