IG seeks police-community partnership to secure Nigeria

In Nigeria, the imperative for robust security is increasingly being framed not solely as a police mandate, but as a shared responsibility between law enforcement and the citizenry. Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, articulated this vision during the 42nd anniversary celebration of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Abuja. Represented by DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the IG underscored the PCRC's enduring role as a cornerstone of community-oriented policing, emphasizing that 'Security is not the responsibility of the police alone. It is a shared duty, one that thrives when citizens and law enforcement work hand in hand.' This sentiment reflects a growing understanding within the Nigeria Police Force that public trust and active community participation are indispensable for effective policing. The IG lauded the PCRC's legacy in building bridges, nurturing trust, and providing support during crises, acknowledging that 'no strategy, no reform and no innovation can succeed without the trust and involvement of the people.' Looking ahead, Disu urged for a deeper commitment to community engagement, embracing new ideas and technologies to foster 'a future of safe, resilient and peaceful communities.' This approach, which prioritizes a 'proactive, intelligence-driven, technology-enabled and community-rooted' policing model, signifies a strategic shift towards a more collaborative and responsive security architecture in Nigeria. The emphasis on continuous dialogue and enhanced public trust highlights a national aspiration for a security apparatus that is not only effective but also deeply integrated with the communities it serves.

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Security is not the responsibility of the police alone. It is a shared duty, one that thrives when citizens and law enforcement work hand in hand.