DELTA — CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, psc, mnips, has assumed office as the 25th Commissioner of Police in Delta State, succeeding CP Yemi John Oyeniyi. He took over the command in August 2026.
Born on March 2, 1968 in Lagos and an indigene of Owan East, Edo State, CP Erale holds a BSc in Political Science from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He joined the Nigeria Police Force in 1994 as a Cadet ASP and has since served in Kogi, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Rivers, Osun, and at Force Headquarters. His postings include AC Operations in Bayelsa and Ekiti, DC Admin in Rivers, DC Community Safety and Crime Prevention in Abuja, and command of PMF 26 and 33 squadrons. He also served on a UN peacekeeping mission in Kosovo in 2000, and was deployed as CP Elections for the recent off-cycle poll in Osun, noted for being peaceful. With 14 years in the Mobile Police, nine as squadron commander, he brings deep experience in tactical operations and personnel management.
A member of the IACP and MNIPS, CP Erale has attended courses at the Police Staff College Jos, National Defence College, and ILEA Gaborone. The Force described him as a disciplined and experienced officer with a strong record in operations, investigations, administration and community safety. He is married with children and enjoys badminton and brisk walking in his spare time.
