Abia, police partner to strengthen security

The Abia State Government and the Nigeria Police Force have partnered to strengthen the state’s security architecture.

The move according to them is coming on the heels of the Tinubu-led administration aimed at strengthening existing roadmaps to beef up the nation’s security.

In a statement issued by the Personal Media Consultant, Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Jonathan Eze, on Thursday, at a security Town Hall engagement forum, an initiative of the Minister of State Police Affairs, the Governor, Abia State, Alex Otti, was full of praise for the minister, describing her as a dedicated minister driving critical reforms in the country’s security network.

Otti also extended gratitude to the Nigeria Police Force, under the able leadership of the Inspector General of Police, for their steadfast professionalism, and commended the collaborative efforts of all security agencies, the traditional council, local governments, the Police Community Relations Committee, members of the state Security Council, and other vital stakeholders for their unwavering commitment to the state’s security.

In her remarks, the Minister stated that the town hall meeting is a reflection of the significant shift in her approach to policing.

“As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 puts the security and welfare of our people as the government’s priority. As a responsible government, therefore, Mr President, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has placed security at the center of the administration’s eight (8) priorities, and we have commenced the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, which will ensure that our police force is strategically positioned to fulfill its mandate.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated that at the heart of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda is the implementation of a community policing strategy that is designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and stakeholder blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.

She added that Abia is renowned for its commerce and industry, making it a focal point for trade across the Southeast and beyond, noting that the state’s economic vibrancy, presents specific security challenges, particularly in the areas of business-related crimes.

“Additionally, the state’s strategic location along key transit routes adds another layer of complexity, as it necessitates robust measures to address issues such as road safety, smuggling, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, Abia State has consistently shown resilience, and we are here to help strengthen it further.

“We have a clear appreciation that security begins at home. It is local, and we must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation. This townhall is therefore part of an extensive series of townhall engagements across the country to catalyze a grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions.”

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Labour and Productivity, Nkiruka Onyejeocha added credence to the good work of her colleague, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, while also thanking the governor for providing credible leadership in the state.

Other stakeholders took turns to analyse the critical nature of security and the roles of Community policing in Nigeria.

Goodwill messages were presented by religious leaders, traditional leaders, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Executive Secretary of the Police Trust funds among others.