Minister of State for Police Affairs, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, will preside at a citizens’ town hall on community policing in Lafia today.
The goal is to develop a robust policy and implementation framework.
Tagged “Renewed hope police agenda citizenship town hall engagement,” the meeting provides a platform for stakeholders in the security ecosystem to brainstorm on issues and challenges confronting the nation and proffer solutions.
Expected are President Bola Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, lawmakers, traditional and religious leaders, civil societies, student bodies, women groups, etc.
The minister said expected outcomes include increasing transparency between the ministry and citizens, fostering trust and understanding, as well as improving knowledge of policing reforms, leading to an informed and engaged community.
The first edition was held in Lagos, with recommendations to bridge the gap between citizens and the police.
“The minister recognises that unlocking Nigeria’s productivity and tackling legacy challenges that limit its economic growth, social development, integration into the global economy, and prosperity is hinged on the level of security in the country,” the organisers said in a statement.
Minister of state for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman Ibrahim yesterday said the effectiveness of community policing depends on the public confidence and trust in the police.
She restated the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration towards deep reforms that will be backed by a robust implementation plan and innovative resource mobilisation and allocation.
According to her, the goal is the emergence of a world-class police that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based and alive to its constitutional responsibilities.
Speaking in Lagos, the minister assured that the Police will live up to its responsibilities in ensuring the safety of the lives and properties of Nigerians.
Sulaiman Ibrahim said she has made commitment to supporting efforts aimed at delivering viable solutions to tackle the complex issues that have limited the capability of the Police.
She said she will be rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and redefining policing in the country.
The minister said security is local and intelligence gathering is key.
She said: “This Townhall is therefore the first in an extensive series of Townhall engagements across the Country, to catalyse grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific solutions. Recognising that security is inherently local, our approach must reflect an appreciation for the distinct characteristics, challenges, and strengths of each community.”
The minister added: “Local security interventions must therefore be designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership. “Some communities are experiencing security challenges relating to a very high influx of other nationals; others are struggling with insecurity relating to rapid urbanization, while some are struggling with insecurity triggered by resource control and the agrarian nature of their environment, amongst other.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the time is now for the implementation of Tinubu’s renewed hope police agenda.
She highlighted the six foundational pill8ars that will serve as strategic frameworks, crafted to redefine and strengthen the Police.
Her words: “The first is Technical and Operational Excellence: Harnessing cutting-edge technology and refining operational protocols to elevate the capabilities of our Police Personnel. This will also include strengthening the air and marine capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force to boost its operational effectiveness.
“Second is Infrastructure Advancement: Undertaking a comprehensive standardisation, modernisation and fortification initiative for the physical infrastructure of the Nigeria Police Force. This includes upgrading facilities and establishing command centers to bolster operational efficiency.
“Third is Welfare Enhancement: Focusing on the holistic well-being of our officers by implementing comprehensive support systems and healthcare measures. This pillar aims to bolster the physical, mental, psychological, and financial health of our dedicated personnel.
“Fourth is Policy Framework Development: Crafting a comprehensive policy framework to serve as the backbone of the entire law enforcement apparatus. This entails adherence to best practices, thereby rebuilding public trust and ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
“Fifth is Branding, Citizen Engagement, and Public Trust Management: Initiating a strategic branding campaign to cultivate a positive and contemporary image for the Nigeria Police Force. This involves active engagement with citizens and effective management of public trust through transparent and accountable practices.
“Sixth is Community Collaboration and Public Trust: Establishing collaborative partnerships within the community to enhance citizen engagement and fortify public trust. This pillar emphasises the importance of a symbiotic relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.”
Minister of State for Police Affairs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim says local or community policing will reduce insecurity in the country.
She also said that President Bola Tinubu’s focus on security would boost the nation’s economy.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim spoke at a Town Hall Security Meeting in Lagos yesterday.
Her words: “Recognising that security is inherently local, our approach must reflect an appreciation for the distinct characteristics, challenges, and strengths of each community.
“Local security interventions must therefore be designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.
“Some communities are experiencing security challenges relating to a very high influx of other nationals, others are struggling with insecurity relating to rapid urbanisation, while some are struggling with insecurity triggered by resource control and the agrarian nature of their environment, among others.”
The minister praised President Tinubu for his commitment to transforming critical areas of the economy, with a special focus on security and the Nigeria Police Force.
While calling on Nigerians to collectively partner with the police force, Sulaiman-Ibrahim also urged Nigerians to ‘acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in pursuit of a safer country.’
“This Townhall is the first in an extensive series of Townhall engagements across the country, to catalyse grassroots understanding of security dynamics and foster community-specific,” she noted.
The minister also thanked Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for sustaining and building on the security foundations laid by the President for a safer Lagos State.
She noted that the Lagos State Security Trust Fund continues to be a shining example of the possibilities of local participation and collaboration in securing communities.
The minister advised that local security interventions be designed based on local peculiarities and considerations, with the full participation of members of the various communities and blocks, to ensure inclusivity and full ownership.
She said: “Today is not for long speeches but rather a moment of action and commitment. So I will just quickly set out the context that underpins the Renewed Hope Police Reform Project. Six foundational pillars serve as strategic frameworks meticulously crafted to redefine and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force, and we are here to gather further insights from multiple perspectives and your experience.
“The first is Technical and Operational Excellence: Harnessing cutting-edge technology and refining operational protocols to elevate the capabilities of our Police Personnel. This will also include strengthening the air and marine capabilities of the Nigeria Police Force to boost its operational effectiveness.
“Second is Infrastructure Advancement: Undertaking a comprehensive standardisation, modernisation and fortification initiative for the physical infrastructure of the Police Force. This includes upgrading facilities and establishing command centres to bolster operational efficiency.
“Third is Welfare Enhancement: Focusing on the holistic well-being of our officers by implementing comprehensive support systems and healthcare measures. This pillar aims to bolster the physical, mental, psychological, and financial health of our dedicated personnel. Fourth is Policy Framework Development: Crafting a comprehensive policy framework to serve as the backbone of the entire law enforcement apparatus. This entails adherence to best practices, thereby rebuilding public trust and ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.
“Fifth is Branding, Citizen Engagement, and Public Trust Management: Initiating a strategic branding campaign to cultivate a positive and contemporary image for the Nigeria Police Force. This involves active engagement with citizens and effective management of public trust through transparent and accountable practices. Sixth is Community Collaboration and Public Trust: Establishing collaborative partnerships within the community to enhance citizen engagement and fortify public trust. This pillar emphasises the importance of a symbiotic relationship between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
“These pillars collectively form the cornerstone of our efforts and aim to position the Nigeria Police Force in an efficient pathway characterised by transparency, public confidence, and a strong connection with the communities it serves.
“In implementing these reforms, one question comes to my mind: “Who is the Police?” The answer, I believe, extends far beyond the confines of a uniform, a title, or a position – we all are Police, either as informants, watch guards or enforcers. We are all custodians of security and must contribute to shaping a safer and more resilient society by showing our support
“The Police reforms would be backed by a robust implementation plan and innovative resource mobilisation and allocation, which has been the bane of previous reform efforts. The goal is to see the emergence of a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based and that is alive to its constitutional responsibilities. I am therefore confident and can assure you that the Nigeria Police Force will live up to its responsibilities in ensuring the safety of the lives and properties of Nigerians.”
The minister also restated the government’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at delivering viable solutions to tackle the complex issues that have limited the capability of the police. She urged Nigerians to join the government with renewed hope, in rebuilding trust, restoring confidence and redefining policing in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Sanwo-Olu, who stressed the importance of collaboration and unity in addressing security challenges, underscored the evolution of community policing as a vital strategy for addressing security issues.
The governor referred to its increased prominence in Lagos State in the last few years.
He also emphasised the need to adopt a localised approach to addressing specific security concerns within different communities, stressing the relevance of domesticating security solutions to suit the unique needs of various sub-nationals and local communities.
Sanwo-Olu also restated the growing acceptance of community policing due to its emphasis on citizen involvement in collaboration with law enforcement and security agencies.
He reiterated the significance of citizens working together with the authorities to secure their communities, stressing that the concept is an effective strategy for addressing rising security issues, such as kidnapping, robbery, and cultism.
