By Amos Aar
A NEW commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Emenari Ifeanyi, on Monday officially assumed office at the Benue State Police Command.
In a statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Sewuese Anene, CP Ifeanyi, who holds a Ph.D, was described as an experienced officer with a distinguished career.
A native of Ekwulobia in Aguata LGA of Anambra State, Mr Ifeanyi holds a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Jos, Plateau State, as well as a Master’s degree and PhD in Literature in English from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. He joined the Nigeria Police Academy in 1992.
With over three decades of service, CP Ifeanyi has held various operational, investigative, and administrative roles across multiple states, including Zamfara, Imo, Katsina, Anambra, Cross River, Osun, Ogun, Abia, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
His career highlights include serving as Unit Commander of Police Mobile Force (PMF) units in Katsina, Anambra and Cross River states between 1996 and 2003.
Internationally, CP Ifeanyi has represented Nigeria in peacekeeping missions, including as Contingent Commander of the Nigeria Police contingent to the United Nations Mission in Sudan and Deputy Security Advisor in Eastern Equatorial State, South Sudan, in 2012.
He has also held leadership positions such as Commandant of the Police College of Information Technology, Abeokuta, and Area Commander of the Akwete Area Command in Abia State.
His extensive training includes specialized courses in combat, armored personnel carrier operations, and strategic leadership, including the Strategic Leadership and Command Course (SLCC) at the National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja, in 2020.
Prior to his deployment to Benue State, he served as Commissioner of Police, Force Provost Marshal.
In his new role, CP Emenari has pledged to strengthen community policing initiatives, enhance security measures to safeguard lives and property, and deploy available resources to address the state’s security challenges.
The appointment has been met with optimism by some residents, with many expressing hope on social media that the new leadership will improve security in the state.
However, concerns remain as previous postings of new police commissioners to Benue have not significantly curbed the persistent insecurity affecting the state, including its capital, Makurdi.
The Benue State Government and security stakeholders are expected to collaborate closely with the new Commissioner to ensure effective policing and lasting peace in the state.
