JUST IN: IGP DISU CALLS FOR PUBLIC TRUST IN POLICE TO STRENGTHEN FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY

IGP DISU CALLS FOR PUBLIC TRUST IN POLICE TO STRENGTHEN FIGHT AGAINST INSECURITY

Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies, local communities, traditional institutions, and other stakeholders as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

The police chief also urged an end to the long-standing mistrust between citizens and the Nigeria Police Force, stressing that effective crime prevention can only be achieved when both the public and law enforcement agencies build genuine confidence in one another.

Disu made the appeal on Tuesday during a strategic security stakeholders’ engagement held in Awka, the capital of Anambra State.

Representing the Inspector-General at the meeting, Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East zone, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, said the engagement was organized to strengthen cooperation among key stakeholders and promote sustainable peace, public safety, and coordinated security operations.

According to the police leadership, successful crime-fighting efforts largely depend on trust and open communication between security agencies and the communities they serve.

The Inspector-General disclosed that all six Deputy Inspectors-General across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones have been directed to engage stakeholders in their respective regions to identify practical solutions to prevailing security concerns.

Onwuemelie explained that the nationwide engagement provides an avenue for security agencies, community leaders, and government representatives to discuss existing threats, identify emerging security concerns, and develop strategies for stronger intelligence sharing and community participation.

He stressed that collaboration between police authorities, community leaders, traditional institutions, vigilante groups, and residents remains critical in tackling criminal activities across the country.

“Security is a collective responsibility. No single individual or agency can effectively tackle insecurity alone. The police and other security agencies need the active cooperation of community leaders, traditional institutions and residents to reduce crime,” he said.

The police leadership expressed concern over the culture of silence in some communities, noting that delayed reporting of suspicious activities often allows criminal groups to operate unchecked.

Authorities urged citizens to provide timely intelligence to law enforcement agencies before criminal situations escalate into larger security threats.

The Inspector-General identified cult-related violence, kidnapping, armed robbery, targeted killings, and drug trafficking as some of the major factors contributing to insecurity in different parts of the country.

He noted that communities that remain united against criminal activities create a more difficult environment for criminal networks to thrive.

“The people need to trust the police, and the police also need to trust the people. It is only when there is mutual trust between both sides that information can flow freely. We need genuine partnership,” the police leadership stated.

Onwuemelie further stressed the importance of engaging young people positively by creating opportunities that offer hope while discouraging involvement in criminal activities.

He added that the police would continue strengthening grassroots security presence while working closely with the Department of State Services, vigilante groups operating within the law, traditional rulers, and community leaders.

The Inspector-General also addressed ongoing conversations surrounding the creation of state police, dismissing suggestions that the Nigeria Police Force is blocking the process.

According to him, establishing state police requires constitutional amendments that must be approved by both the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly before implementation can become possible.

Officials at the meeting emphasized that security remains the foundation of economic development and social progress, urging Nigerians to work more closely with law enforcement agencies to build safer communities nationwide.

The security meeting was attended by representatives of security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional rulers, transport unions, civil society organisations, members of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, journalists, and community representatives from across Anambra State.