The Commissioner of Police in Delta State, Yemi Oyeniyi, on Monday met with transport unions, transport company operators and other stakeholders in a renewed effort to strengthen security collaboration and curb criminal activities across the state.
The high-level security engagement, which took place in Asaba, the Delta State capital, brought together representatives from local government councils, transport associations and key players within the transport sector.
Among those present at the meeting were officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, the Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association, the Tipper Union, transport companies and other commercial transport operators working within and outside the state.
Addressing participants during the meeting, the police commissioner stressed the critical role transport operators play in maintaining security and combating organised crime in Delta State.
Oyeniyi noted that criminal networks frequently exploit transportation systems to move illegal arms, hard drugs and even ransom payments connected to kidnapping and other violent crimes.
According to him, many criminal activities thrive because offenders rely heavily on commercial transportation channels to move across communities without attracting suspicion.
The commissioner warned that kidnappers, armed robbers and other criminal elements often disguise themselves as passengers or transport workers while carrying out their operations.
He therefore called on transport unions and operators to become more vigilant and proactive by monitoring suspicious movements, unusual packages and unfamiliar individuals using motor parks and transport terminals.
Oyeniyi explained that security agencies alone could not effectively tackle crime without the active support and cooperation of stakeholders within the transportation sector.
He said transport workers occupy strategic positions within society because they interact daily with large numbers of people travelling across different communities and states.
According to the police commissioner, timely information provided by transport operators could help security agencies prevent crimes before they occur and improve intelligence gathering across the state.
He urged union leaders and transport company managers to sensitise their members on the importance of reporting suspicious passengers, abandoned luggage and illegal activities observed within motor parks and transit routes.
The commissioner also encouraged operators to maintain proper passenger documentation where applicable and strengthen internal monitoring systems to reduce the risk of criminal infiltration.
He assured participants that the Delta State Police Command was committed to building stronger partnerships with transport stakeholders as part of broader efforts to improve public safety and enhance community policing initiatives.
Oyeniyi added that collaboration between the police and transport unions would contribute significantly to reducing kidnapping, cult-related violence, armed robbery and drug trafficking within the state.
He further stressed the need for regular communication between transport associations and security agencies, saying that criminals often exploit information gaps and weak coordination to evade arrest.
The police boss assured stakeholders that information shared with law enforcement agencies would be treated confidentially and professionally to protect informants from possible retaliation.
Representatives of the various transport unions at the meeting expressed readiness to cooperate with the police in tackling insecurity and maintaining peace across Delta State.
Some of the union leaders acknowledged that criminal activities within the transport system posed serious threats not only to public safety but also to the reputation and operations of legitimate transport businesses.
They pledged to strengthen internal disciplinary measures among members and encourage drivers and operators to support security agencies with useful information.
Stakeholders at the meeting also called for increased police patrols around motor parks and major highways to improve safety for commuters and transport workers.
Others appealed for better communication channels between transport unions and security agencies to ensure rapid response whenever suspicious activities are detected.
Security experts have repeatedly identified transportation networks as major channels used by criminal groups to move weapons, narcotics and victims across different regions of the country.
Analysts believe that stronger collaboration between security agencies and transport stakeholders could help disrupt criminal operations and improve intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.
The meeting in Asaba forms part of ongoing efforts by the Delta State Police Command to deepen community engagement and encourage collective responsibility in addressing security challenges across the state.
Observers say the initiative reflects growing recognition among security authorities that effective crime prevention requires active participation from community groups, businesses and critical sectors such as transportation.
With rising concerns over kidnapping and other criminal activities in parts of the country, many residents hope that improved cooperation between transport unions and law enforcement agencies will contribute to safer roads and communities in Delta State.
