By Leonard Okachie
The Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has called on Abia communities and stakeholders on security matters to participate actively in the collective efforts to strengthen community policing in the state.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim made the call in a speech at the “Citizens’ town hall engagement on strengthening community policing in Nigeria”, held in Umuahia on Thursday.
She said that President Bola Timubu was committed to strengthening the operational capability of the Nigeria Police Force, through the implementation of his Renewed Hope Police Agenda.
She also said that the town hall, with the theme, “Community policing: Building a safer Nigeria together”, was a significant shift in government’s approach to policing.
The minister urged the stakeholders to form local security interventions that are peculiar to each community to ensure full participation of the people.
She said that the implementation of a community policing strategy was designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation and ownership by community members and stakeholder blocks.
According to her, the aim is to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said that Abia is renowned for its commerce and industry, making it a focal point for trade across the South-East and beyond.
She said: “This economic vibrancy, however, also presents specific security challenges, particularly in the areas of business-related crimes.
“Additionally, the state’s strategic location along key transit routes adds another layer of complexity.
“It necessitates robust measures to address issues, such as road safety, smuggling, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
“Despite these challenges, Abia State has consistently shown resilience, and we are here to help strengthen it further.”
“We have a clear appreciation that security begins at home.
“It is local and we must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation.”
In a remark, Gov. Alex Otti said that his administration had invested so much in security, knowing full well that any other investment would amount to nothing, if residents were not safe.
He commended the Nigeria Police and other security agencies for their collaborations with the government in a bid to ensure a safer Abia.
Also, the Abia Commissioner of Police, CP Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, who thanked the minister for the visit, assured Abia residents of the command’s commitment in fighting crime and criminality.
Onwuemelie urged the stakeholders to collaborate with the police in order to ensure effective community policing.
The town hall meeting was attended by political leaders, government functionaries, traditional, community and youth leaders, members of the civil society organisations, and security experts amongst others.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister undertook a tour of the Police Clinic, the Police Children School and Command Headquartres. (NAN)
