Minister calls for stronger police-community partnerships

The Minister of Police Affairs (State), Imaan Sulaiman-Abrahim says the Federal Government wants to foster an open and transparent dialogue between the ministry and citizens across the selected states.

Sulaiman-Abrahim stated this Thursday in Umuahia on the occasion of “Citizens Town Hall Engagement on Strengthening Community Policing in Nigeria” under the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, with the theme, “Community Policing: Building A Safer Nigeria Together.”

The objective of the meeting she said, “Is to foster a transparent dialogue, share insights on ongoing policing reforms, and gather valuable feedback from the citizens on strengthening policing in general, but also specific to a community policing strategy.”

The objective of the partnership between the police and the community, she said aims to “Foster an open and transparent dialogue between the Ministry of Police Affairs and citizens across the selected States, provide detailed information on current and planned policing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force to enhance citizen understanding, create a platform for citizens to express concerns, ask questions, and provide valuable feedback on policing issues affecting their communities”, among others.”

She highlighted the expected outcomes, stating, “The overall outcome is the development of a robust community policing policy and implementation framework”, noting the specific outcomes to include, “increased openness and transparency In communication between the Ministry of Police Affairs and citizens, fostering trust and understanding, improved citizen understanding of current and planned policing reforms, leading to an informed and engaged community, integration of citizen concerns, questions, and feedback into future policy decisions and operational strategies within the Nigeria Police Force”, among others.

She concluded, “The goal is to reposition the Nigeria Police Force as a world-class police institution fit for the 21st Century that is not only responsive, intelligence-led, community and technologically advanced but also excels in maintaining public safety, upholding the rule of law, and fostering community trust through transparent and accountable practices.”

Speaking on the occasion, Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, recalled his efforts to rid the state of criminals, including setting up the security outfit, “Operation Crush”, all aimed at keeping to the promise of building a 24-hour economy in the state. He reiterated his responsibility of keeping Abia communities safe.

In her speech, the Minister of Labour and Productivity, Nkiru Onyejeocha, commended the Ministry of Police Affairs over the meeting, and Otti for ensuring that the state is safe, while the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu said, “Community Policing represents a shift from traditional policing methods to a better inclusive and collaborative approach between the police and the communities they serve.”

Represented by his Director, Human Resources and General Services, Dr Mrs. Regina Onuoha urged all stakeholders, namely community leaders, government officials, civil society, organisations, and the general public, to “embrace the principles of community policing”, even as the chairman, Abia State Traditional Rulers Council, Linus Mba assured that traditional rulers in the state will support the police and the state governor in maintaining peace and security in the communities.

The Commissioner of Police, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, described community policing as a philosophy, broader and more encompassing more than community police,  while the National Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Alh Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, speaking on the importance of the meeting advised, “if you see something, say something”.

The occasion featured the inspection of the Police clinic and Police Children’s School where she averred that the hospital and the school needed intervention, assuring that her ministry would see what it can do to assist. She also addressed the officers and men of the Abia Police Command and the Police Officers Wives Association, POWA.