By Kenneth Orusi, Managing Editor
The Delta State Police Command has distanced itself from direct involvement in land disputes, even as it acknowledged growing concerns over the activities of alleged land grabbers across the state.
Commissioner of Police, CP Yemi Oyeniyi, made the position known on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during the Command’s first quarter press briefing, where he outlined operational achievements from February to date.
While reiterating that land matters are fundamentally civil in nature and should be resolved through the courts, the Police Commissioner emphasised that the Command retains a constitutional duty to protect lives and property and maintain public order.
According to him, the police will not hesitate to act decisively where disputes escalate into violence.
“The Command will not get involved in land disputes or other civil matters. However, we will not tolerate any individual or group that employs violence in the course of such activities.
“The command wishes to state clearly that the Police will not get involved in land dispute or any civil matters, however, it is the constitutional responsibility of the Nigeria Police force to ensure protection of Life and property, maintenance of law and order amongst other duties, hence the command will not tolerate any individual, or group that employed violence in their activities”.
He advised aggrieved parties to seek lawful redress through the judiciary rather than resorting to self-help, warning that any breach of peace would attract police intervention.
“The command therefore advised aggrieved parties to seek civil redress in court and not resort to self-help”, Oyeniyi stated.
