The Nigeria Police Force appoints Surajudeen Olufemi Abaniwonda as the new Commissioner of Police for Delta State, as AIG Wale Abass transitions to a pivotal role at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
DSP Bright Edafe, the spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, disclosed this information in a statement released on Wednesday in Warri, providing journalists with copies.
The statement made clear that CP Abaniwonda has taken over duties as the 22nd Commissioner of Police for the Delta State Police Command.
The statement added that the new CP, while taking over from his immediate predecessor, ‘promised to build on existing security mechanisms in place towards enthroning the reign of peace and safety in Delta State.’
It added, ‘He advised the public to always cooperate with the Police and other security agencies at all times, even as he tasked the youths not to allow themselves to be used for any act of criminality.’
In his handing over remarks, the outgone Commissioner of Police, AIG Abass, thanked the Delta State Government and the people of the state for their cooperation while he was in-charge of the command, urging them to extend the same cooperation to his successor.
Abaniwonda, while addressing the press, assured Deltans, residents and non-residents that the command under his leadership ‘will ensure that the state becomes uncomfortable for criminals.’
Born on February 22nd 1966 to the family of Mr. and Mrs. M.A.R. Abaniwonda from Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, CP Abaniwonda holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History in 1987 and a Master of Arts in Economics History, 1990, both from the University of Lagos.
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Joining the Nigeria Police Force on March 18, 1992, as part of Cadet ASP Course 17, he underwent training at the prestigious Police Academy Kaduna. Following his academy training, he began his career as a young Assistant Superintendent of Police in the Kogi State Police Command in November 1995.
He had served in various capacities in the Police Force, notably as the 2i/c Squadron Commander, Police Mobile Force (21PMF) in Jos from 1996, and also as Squadron Commander at MOPOL 8 Jos, between 2002 and 2005.
From 2005 to 2014, he served as Divisional Police Officer at Kubwa Division, Gwarinpa Division, Karmo, Division, Lugbe Division, Garki Division, and Karshi Division and also the CSP DOPS, FCT Police Command.
Having undergone training of international standards, he participated in the Peacekeeping Mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2000, and in 2008, he was appointed as the Training Adviser at the United Nations’ Integrated Office in Sierra Leone.
The progression of his roles led to his posting as the Area Commander for the Gwagwalada Area Command in 2015, and subsequently, a transfer to the Oyo State Command in 2017, where he took on the responsibilities of the Area Commander for the Oyo Area Command.
Following his promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police, he took charge of administrative duties at the Department of Operations Force Headquarters, Abuja, before being relocated to the Kogi State Command. There, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of Police, overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department.
He brings experience from his role as the Deputy Force Secretary at Force Headquarters, Abuja, before transitioning to his current position.
Upon being promoted to Commissioner of Police in January 2024, he took on the responsibility of the 22nd Commissioner of Police for the Delta State Police Command.