Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to prioritizing initiatives that promote community policing in Nigeria as a means to address the prevailing insecurity issues.
Emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and fostering mutual respect and understanding, Sulaiman-Ibrahim also stressed the government’s efforts to strengthen the relationship between the Police and the community.
Speaking at the 40th-anniversary event of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) with the theme “PCRC @40 Community Policing at its Best” held at Merit House, Maitama, Abuja, she highlighted the significance of the occasion in recognizing the enduring legacy of community policing and the invaluable role played by the PCRC in promoting collaboration and trust between law enforcement agencies and communities.
Reflecting on the milestone achieved by the PCRC over the last four decades, she reiterated the pivotal role the committee has played in fostering dialogue, community engagement, and crime prevention efforts to build trust and cooperation between the police and the public.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim also disclosed that President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Police are actively involved in implementing a Renewed Hope Police Reform and Transformation, where community policing is a vital component. She affirmed the government’s commitment to fully implement the community policing strategy as outlined in the Police Act of 2020.
Ensuring deep reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, supported by comprehensive implementation plans and innovative resource mobilization, the minister expressed the government’s aspiration to develop a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-oriented to fulfill its constitutional responsibilities.
In his address, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, applauded the PCRC members for their partnership and support in implementing the community policing strategy. The national chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, extended gratitude to the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Nigeria Police Force for their support and requested approval to engage developers in establishing a physical structure for their secretariat and accommodations on the land provided by the government.