Insecurity: IG calls for stronger community collaboration

Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for enhanced collaboration between communities and security agencies to address the nation's escalating security challenges. He stressed that effective security management relies heavily on timely intelligence provided by local residents.

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Early warning information remains critical in preventing crime and violence. Community members know when strangers enter their communities, when suspicious activities begin to emerge, and when tensions are rising. The police need that information shared early, before it develops into a crisis.

Speaking at a stakeholders' security engagement meeting in Umuahia, the IG, represented by Deputy Inspector General Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, stated that many security threats could be prevented if residents proactively share information about suspicious activities and emerging tensions. "Early warning information remains critical in preventing crime and violence. Community members know when strangers enter their communities, when suspicious activities begin to emerge, and when tensions are rising. The police need that information shared early, before it develops into a crisis," he said.

The IG also emphasized the importance of community-based conflict resolution, noting that minor disputes can escalate into violent incidents without early intervention. He urged traditional rulers, community leaders, and religious authorities to actively mediate disputes and promote peace. Regarding youth engagement, Disu warned that idle young people are vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups, advocating for stronger mentorship and empowerment structures at the community level.

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Our young people must be guided, mentored, and supported. Communities must create structures that provide purpose, direction and hope for the youth.

Furthermore, he highlighted the need for improved support for victims of violence, believing that community solidarity would foster greater trust and encourage crime reporting. While acknowledging the role of vigilante groups, the IG cautioned that their operations must remain within legal frameworks and under proper supervision. "We welcome the support of vigilante groups, but their operations must be coordinated, disciplined, accountable, and conducted under lawful supervision rather than as independent militias," he added. The police chief also outlined ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, expanding rural policing, and improving information-sharing networks.

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We welcome the support of vigilante groups, but their operations must be coordinated, disciplined, accountable, and conducted under lawful supervision rather than as independent militias.