Titus Eleweke, Editor, South East
AWKA, Anambra – The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), IGP Olatunji Disu, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to effectively combat crime and insecurity across the country.
The IGP made the call on Tuesday in Awka, the Anambra State capital, during a stakeholders’ security meeting held to discuss the security situation in the state.
Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the IGP said effective crime-fighting requires mutual trust and confidence between the police and the communities they serve.
DIG Onwuemelie stated that the IGP had directed all six Deputy Inspectors-General of Police across the country to engage stakeholders within their respective zones to identify practical solutions to security challenges.
According to him, there is a need to deepen collaboration between the police, communities, and other stakeholders in Anambra State to effectively combat crime and criminality.
He urged stakeholders in the state to engage in result-oriented collaboration with security agencies and local vigilante groups to strengthen efforts aimed at addressing insecurity.
“Security is a collective responsibility, although there are state actors specifically saddled with the task of maintaining law and order,” he said.
He noted that no individual or agency can tackle insecurity alone, stressing that the police and other security agencies require the support and cooperation of traditional institutions, community leaders, and residents to reduce crime in society.
The IGP lamented that the culture of silence in many communities allows criminals to operate unhindered.
“We need to trust the police, and the police also need to trust the people. It is only when there is mutual trust between the police and communities that information can flow freely. We need genuine partnership,” he stated.
He identified gang violence popularly Known as cult-related violence, armed robbery, kidnapping, targeted killings, and drug trafficking as major contributors to insecurity in the country.
According to him, clashes among criminal gangs have increasingly resulted in deaths and injuries, making youth engagement and community participation critical in addressing the problem.
He appealed to members of the public to provide early-warning information to security agencies before situations deteriorate.
“We need to guide our youths. We need structures that give hope and opportunities to young people. We need collaboration with vigilante groups under lawful engagement.
“We will deepen our presence at the grassroots level. We will continue to work with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies to combat crime in the state. We will also strengthen community engagement through traditional rulers and community leaders,” he said.
He added that if communities remain united and work together as one family, criminal gangs would find it difficult to undermine the security system.
Speaking on behalf of the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Ibrahim Ezekiel, described security as the foundation for economic development and social progress.
According to him, every citizen has a role to play in combating insecurity in the state.
He stressed that residents must work closely with security agencies to ensure a safer environment for all.
The IGP also dismissed claims that the Nigeria Police Force is deliberately frustrating efforts to establish state police across the country.
He argued that the constitutional amendment process required for the establishment of state police is complex and rigorous, involving both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.
The IGP urged Nigerians who support the creation of state police to engage their elected representatives and advocate for the necessary constitutional amendments.
Responding to allegations that the police are responsible for delays in the establishment of state police, he said:
“The expression ‘being delayed’ suggests a deliberate action. However, the issue of state police is one that is tied to the provisions of the Constitution.”
“We must amend the Constitution and relevant laws before state police can become a reality. This is a rigorous process that falls within the responsibilities of members of the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly.”
“I want to be unequivocal. The claim that the police are delaying the establishment of state police is not supported by any verifiable evidence. It may be a personal impression, and people are entitled to their opinions, but it is not true.”
“The police are part of this country, and police officers are citizens who are equally affected by the security challenges facing the nation.”
“The power to create state police does not reside with the Nigeria Police Force. That responsibility lies with the National Assembly, the State Houses of Assembly, and the President, through the constitutional amendment process.”
He reiterated the need for stakeholders in Anambra State to maintain result-oriented collaboration with security agencies and legally recognized vigilante groups to enhance efforts aimed at combating insecurity.
“Security is a collective responsibility, although there are state actors specifically charged with maintaining security,” he added.