FG holds public hearing on community policing

The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has said the Federal Government aimed to foster an open and transparent dialogue between the Ministry of Police Affairs and citizens to enhance security through community policing.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated this in Umuahia, Abia State, on Thursday, during the citizens’ town hall engagement on strengthening community policing in Nigeria under the Renewed Hope Police Agenda.

She said the town hall meeting, with the theme: “Community policing: Building a safer Nigeria together,” aimed to provide a platform for direct engagement between the ministry on one side and the citizens and other critical policing stakeholders across the country.

She said the town hall would help to get suggestions, concerns and recommendations to inform policy decisions and operational strategies for successful community policing initiatives.

The minister said the Federal Government planned to reposition the Nigeria Police as a world-class police institution fit for the 21st Century, not only responsive, intelligence-led, community and technologically advanced, but also excelling in maintaining public safety, upholding the rule of law, and fostering community trust through transparent and accountable practices.

Speaking on the occasion, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, recalled his efforts to rid the state of criminals, including setting up the security outfit, “Operation Crush.”

He said the efforts aimed at keeping to the promise of building a 24-hour economy in the state.

The Minister of Labour and Engagement, Nkiru Onyejeocha, commended the Ministry of Police Affairs for the meeting and the Abia State governor for making the state safe.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, described community policing as a shift from traditional policing methods to a better inclusive and collaborative approach between the police and the communities they served.

Represented by his Director, Human Resources and General Services, Dr (Mrs) Regina Onuoha, he urged all stakeholders and the general public to embrace the principles of community policing.

The state Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, described community policing as a philosophy, broader and more encompassing, while the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, reiterated the importance of the meeting, saying, “If you see something, say something.”

The Chairman of Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Linus Nto Mba, assured the stakeholders that traditional rulers in the state would collaborate with the police and the governor in maintaining peace and security in the communities.