CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi has assumed duty as the 35th Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command. He succeeds AIG Danladi Isa, “who has been promoted and redeployed to Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex Kaduna,” the Command announced in a press release on Sunday.
The Abia State Police Command described CP Afolabi as “a seasoned and accomplished police officer of the Nigeria Police Force, with over three decades of meritorious service.”
According to the statement, “He enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on 18th May 1992 and has since built a distinguished career marked by professionalism, discipline, and dedication to duty.”
*Education and Training*
CP Afolabi is said to be “highly educated and professionally trained.” He “holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Botany from the University of Ilorin, as well as a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s degree in Peace and Security Studies from the University of Port Harcourt.”
His training also includes “the Strategic Leadership and Command Course at the National Institute of Police Studies, Abuja; Tactical Leadership Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos; Internal Security/Low Intensity Conflict Course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji; and Peacekeeping Negotiation Course at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, Ghana.”
*International Experience*
The new CP has extensive international policing experience. He “served with distinction as the Pioneer Sector Commander of Sector 2 Nyala and Pioneer Regional Commander of Southern Darfur under the African Union Mission in Sudan (2004–2005), where he was instrumental in establishing operational and administrative structures, setting up police stations in internally displaced persons camps, and coordinating civil police activities.”
He also “served as the Nigeria Contingent Commander and Special Response Unit Officer under the Human Rights Section of the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina (2001–2002), where he contributed to law enforcement reforms, system analysis, and training development for local police personnel.”
*Command and Operational Roles*
Prior to Abia, CP Afolabi was “the CP Admin, Training & Development Force Headquarters Abuja.” He also served as “Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, where he coordinated both administrative and operational functions, strengthened intelligence networks, enhanced investigative efficiency, and promoted community policing partnerships for improved public trust.”
Other roles include CP (Force Equitation Officer, Mounted Troop) at Force Headquarters, Abuja; Deputy Commissioner of Police (Admin) Delta State Command 2021–2023; DCP (CID) Katsina; and DCP (Operations) Bayelsa.
As an Assistant Commissioner of Police between 2016–2021, he served as Area Commander in Anambra, ACP (Operations) in Imo, and ACP (Intelligence) in Abuja. From 2014–2016 he was DPO in multiple divisions in Abuja and Directing Staff at the Police Staff College, Jos.
He has also served as “Sector Commander and Second-in-Command in Joint Task Force operations in Warri, Staff Officer at Force Headquarters, and Unit Commander of the Police Mobile Force in Plateau State, where he coordinated combat operations, riot control, and other specialized duties.”
*National Assignments*
“CP Afolabi has undertaken several ad-hoc national assignments. He was among the first Nigerian police officers deployed to the African Union Mission in Sudan (Darfur), served as the last Contingent Commander of the Nigeria Police Team to the United Nations Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, acted as Aide-De-Camp to visiting Heads of State, and participated in organizing major international events including the All African Games and Commonwealth Summit.”
He is “a Fellow of the Peace and Security Studies Department, University of Port Harcourt, and a Justice of the Peace (JP), reflecting his commitment to justice, leadership, and national development.” He is married with children and enjoys traveling and reading.
The Command noted that “CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi is widely regarded as a disciplined, strategic, and result-oriented officer whose career reflects a deep commitment to public safety, professional excellence, and international policing standards.”
Call for Cooperation
The Abia State Police Command “calls for the cooperation of stakeholders and the general public to support CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi in his efforts to ensure the safety and security of citizens in Abia State.”
_Signed:_
_DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka LLB, anipr, MNISMA_
_Police Public Relations Officer_
_FOR: Commissioner Of Police Abia State Command_