IG seeks police-community partnership to secure Nigeria

The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, on Thursday said that effective security in Nigeria can only be achieved through strong collaboration between the police and communities.

The IG, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, stated this during the 42nd anniversary celebration of the Police Community Relations Committee held in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “42 Years of PCRC: A Legacy of Service, A Future of Safe Communities,” the police boss described the PCRC as one of the enduring pillars of community-oriented policing in Nigeria.

He said, “Security is not the responsibility of the police alone. It is a shared duty, one that thrives when citizens and law enforcement work hand in hand.”

According to him, the PCRC has over the years built trust between the police and members of the public through collaboration, advocacy and support during periods of crisis.

“Your legacy is written in countless acts of service, the bridges you have built between communities and the police, the trust you have nurtured in moments of tension, the support you have provided in times of crisis and the advocacy you have championed for safer neighbourhoods,” he said.

The IGP noted that the future of policing and national security would depend on deeper collaboration, smarter engagement and stronger community participation.

He said the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to a policing model that is “proactive, intelligence-driven, technology-enabled and community-rooted.”

“But no strategy, no reform and no innovation can succeed without the trust and involvement of the people. This is where the PCRC remains indispensable,” he added.

Disu further called for renewed commitment to community engagement and stronger public trust to build peaceful and resilient communities across the country.

“The future we envision — a future of safe, resilient and peaceful communities — will require renewed commitment to community engagement, stronger involvement, enhanced public trust and continuous dialogue between the police and the people we serve,” he said.

He urged the PCRC to embrace new ideas, technologies and partnerships that reflect the realities of modern policing.

“The PCRC must continue to evolve, embracing new ideas, new technologies and new partnerships that reflect the realities of modern policing,” he stated.

The police boss assured members of the committee of the unwavering support of the Nigeria Police Force in advancing community-oriented policing.

Together, we will continue to advance the ideals of community-oriented policing and build a nation where every citizen feels safe, valued and protected,” he added.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for supporting the organisation and strengthening police-community relations nationwide.

Olaniyan said the PCRC had expanded its presence beyond Nigeria to countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Qatar, the United States and Saudi Arabia.

He also highlighted the committee’s support for police officers and their families through welfare packages, financial assistance and recognition awards.

According to him, over 6,000 police officers benefited from special welfare packages during the last Christmas and Ramadan celebrations.

During the programme, junior officers from different commands were honoured for their outstanding service to the nation.

The Police Community Relations Committee was established in 1984 to foster cooperation between the Nigeria Police Force and members of the public in tackling insecurity and promoting peace at the grassroots.

Over the years, the organisation has served as a bridge between communities and the police through advocacy, support programmes and community policing initiatives across the country.