Delta Police Command Orders Banks to Strengthen Security Ahead of Ember Months

The Delta State Police Command has directed banks across the state to strengthen their security measures as part of efforts to curb criminal activities during the ember period.

Commissioner of Police, Olufemi Abaniwonda, gave the order on Tuesday in Asaba during a strategic security meeting with members of the Bankers’ Forum.

Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Abaniwonda said the meeting was convened to address bank security ahead of the Yuletide season, which is often associated with heightened criminal activity.

He stressed the importance of installing modern and functional CCTV cameras within banking environments to aid law enforcement in monitoring activities and preventing attacks.

“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,” Adejobi stated.

He further explained that Delta’s geographical position—bordering Edo and other states—made it necessary to step up preventive measures to ensure the safety of financial institutions and residents.

In response, the Chief Security Officer of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) branch in Asaba, Mrs Evangeline Patrick, commended the command for its initiative.

She noted that the CBN does not release cash to commercial banks without ensuring that an adequate number of police officers are assigned for armed escort.

The meeting also had in attendance the CBN’s Asaba chief security officer and 39 heads of banks across Delta State.