Insecurity: IG calls for stronger community collaboration

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The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for enhanced collaboration between communities and security agencies as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

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Speaking at a stakeholders’ security engagement meeting held in Umuahia on Monday, the IG, who was represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of Logistics and the South-East, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, said effective security management depends heavily on timely intelligence from local communities.

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He noted that many security threats could be prevented if residents actively share information on suspicious movements and emerging tensions within their environments.

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“Early warning information remains critical in preventing crime and violence. Community members know when strangers enter their communities, when suspicious activities begin to emerge, and when tensions are rising. The police need that information shared early, before it develops into a crisis”, he said.

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He also stressed the importance of community-based conflict resolution, warning that many violent incidents often begin as minor disputes that escalate due to a lack of early intervention.

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The IG urged traditional rulers, community leaders and religious authorities to remain actively involved in mediating disputes and promoting peace.

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On youth engagement, he warned that idle young people remain vulnerable to recruitment by criminal groups, calling for stronger mentorship and empowerment structures at the community level.

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“Our young people must be guided, mentored, and supported. Communities must create structures that provide purpose, direction and hope for the youth,” he added.

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He further emphasised the need for improved support for victims of violence, noting that community solidarity and assistance would encourage greater trust and crime reporting.

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While acknowledging the role of vigilante groups in community policing, he cautioned that their operations must remain within legal frameworks and under proper supervision.

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“We welcome the support of vigilante groups, but their operations must be coordinated, disciplined, accountable, and conducted under lawful supervision rather than as independent militias,” he said.

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The police chief also outlined ongoing reforms within the Nigeria Police Force aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering, expanding rural policing presence, and improving information-sharing networks.

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He disclosed that the Force would intensify joint operations with the military, the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other security agencies to dismantle criminal networks.

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He added that response times to distress calls were being reviewed as part of broader deployment reforms, while reaffirming the Force’s commitment to professionalism and accountability.

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“Professionalism is non-negotiable. Officers who violate the law or abuse members of the public will be held accountable,” he said.

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Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Abia State Command, Danladi Isa, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Ifeanyi Ohuruzo, said the meeting was convened to address critical security concerns and strengthen peace in the state.

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He said the command had continued to work to deny criminal elements operational space, adding that it had maintained strong collaboration with residents in line with community policing principles.

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“The command has enjoyed a robust and cordial relationship with the good people of Abia State in line with global practices of community policing and safety partnerships,” he said.

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He further called for sustained cooperation from residents to ensure a safer and more peaceful Abia State.

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