In a renewed push to strengthen public trust and grassroots security, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has directed all state Commissioners of Police to deepen community policing efforts through sustained town hall engagements and improved public accessibility.
The directive was issued during an Emergency Conference with Commissioners of Police and members of the press held at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where the IGP stressed the need for stronger collaboration between the police and citizens in tackling insecurity across the country.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Placid, in a statement shared on the Force’s verified social media platforms on Friday, effective policing cannot thrive without the confidence, cooperation, and active participation of members of the public.
“Security is a collective responsibility. The Police alone cannot effectively combat crime without the support, trust, and collaboration of the communities we serve,” Disu stated.
The IGP noted that community policing remains a critical strategy for improving intelligence gathering, strengthening public confidence, and addressing emerging security threats at the grassroots level.
As part of the directive, Commissioners of Police across the country have been mandated to hold regular interactive sessions with key stakeholders within their respective states.
“These stakeholders include traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations, market associations, transport unions, women groups, and other community-based institutions,” Placid stated.
Quoting the IGP further, the Force spokesman said: “The essence of these engagements is to build trust, encourage information sharing, and create stronger partnerships that will assist policing operations at the community level.”
Disu also instructed all Commissioners of Police to make their contact details readily available to recognised community leaders in order to improve communication channels and ensure quicker responses to security concerns.
“Our officers must remain accessible to the people. Communities should have direct and reliable channels through which they can communicate security concerns promptly,” he added.
The Inspector-General emphasised that intelligence supplied by members of the public remains one of the most effective tools in combating criminality and preventing security breaches.
“Community-driven intelligence continues to play a vital role in crime prevention and detection. Stronger police-community relationships will significantly improve operational effectiveness and public safety nationwide,” he stated.
The IGP reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to a people-centred policing system anchored on accountability, transparency, professionalism, and mutual trust.
He also urged citizens to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information capable of supporting ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security across the country.
The directive forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the Nigeria Police Force as a more responsive, accountable, and community-oriented institution.
