By Okerafor Athanasius, Jalingo
Abia State-born Chukwudi Chris Ariekpere has assumed duty as the 30th Commissioner of Police (CP) in Taraba State, North-East Nigeria.
In a statement signed and issued to journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the State Police Command, Superintendent (SP) Abdullahi Usman, said Ariekpere was born on October 30, 1966, in Umuosu-Umuosudim, Isiala-Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.
According to the statement, CP Ariekpere holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT).
He was appointed Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on May 18, 1992, and has since risen through the ranks, serving in various units and departments within the Force.
Usman stated: “A seasoned police officer, CP Ariekpere’s impressive career spans multiple appointments, including: Patrol and Guard/Divisional Traffic Officer in Asaba, Delta Command; Area Crime Officer, Asaba Area Command, Delta State; 2 i/c State Criminal Investigation Department, Damaturu, Yobe State Command; Commander, Task Force on Anti-Pipeline Vandalisation, Zone 5, Benin, Edo State.
“He has also attended several professional courses, including the Intermediate Command Course at Staff College, Jos, and the Strategic Leadership and Command Course at Police Staff College, Jos.”
The PPRO maintained that CP Ariekpere’s deployment as the 30th Commissioner of Police in Taraba State is expected to bring a new era of professionalism and excellence to the State Police Command.
The statement added that prior to CP Ariekpere’s deployment to Taraba, he served as the Commandant of the Police College, Orji-River, Enugu State.
Our correspondent reports that the new CP took over from CP Ukachi Peter Opara, who hails from Imo State, South-East Nigeria.
