People must trust police, IG seeks end to mutual suspicion

Nigeria's Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has stressed the critical need for enhanced collaboration between the police force and communities to effectively address the nation's pervasive insecurity. Speaking at a strategic stakeholders' engagement in Awka, Anambra State, the IGP passionately appealed for an end to the deep-seated mutual suspicion that often hinders law enforcement efforts.

Represented by DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the IGP stated that sustainable security can only be achieved when genuine trust exists between the police and the citizens they serve. This engagement, part of a nationwide initiative, aims to strengthen cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions, government representatives, and community leaders to foster peace and public safety.

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This stakeholders’ engagement is to deepen collaboration between the police, communities and relevant bodies in Anambra State to effectively combat crime and criminality.

Onwuemelie explained that the forum provides a platform to deliberate on existing security threats, identify emerging challenges, and develop practical strategies. These include enhancing intelligence sharing, promoting community participation, and coordinating security responses. He urged stakeholders to work closely with security agencies and legally recognized vigilante groups to bolster efforts against crime.

The DIG lamented that a culture of silence in many communities often allows criminals to operate unchecked. He appealed to residents to provide timely intelligence to security agencies, emphasizing that security is a collective responsibility. The IGP identified cult-related violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, targeted killings, and drug trafficking as major drivers of insecurity, noting that united communities make it harder for criminal gangs to thrive.

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Security is a collective responsibility. No individual or agency can tackle insecurity alone. The police and other security agencies require the support and cooperation of traditional institutions, community leaders and residents to reduce crime in society.