In a decisive move to reform the Nigerian Police Force, a landmark gathering in Nasarawa State marked a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to bolster security and rebuild community trust. Under the guidance of Governor Abdullahi Sule, Minister Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim led transformative town hall sessions aimed at reshaping law enforcement. Emphasizing robust reforms and global standards, these meetings underscored a new commitment to a community-focused policing approach, reports Associate Editor ADEKUNLE YUSUF
In Nasarawa State, amid the bustling activities at the Aliyu Akwe Doma Banquet Hall, a transformative dialogue took place. Led by Nigeria’s first female Police Minister, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, the gathering marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s quest for enhanced security and community trust. Nasarawa State recently played host to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Sulaiman-Ibrahim, as she embarked on her mission to redefine the role of the Nigerian Police Force through a series of town hall engagements. These sessions, aimed at fostering robust reforms and aligning the force with global standards, underscored her commitment to a people-centric approach in law enforcement.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, flanked by a diverse assembly of political figures, traditional rulers, civil society advocates and community leaders, set the stage for a candid exchange on strengthening policing practices in Nigeria. Against a backdrop of mounting security challenges and public scrutiny, Sulaiman-Ibrahim’s initiatives seek to restore public confidence in law enforcement while empowering communities to play an active role in their own safety. “The Nigerian Police Force stands at a critical juncture,” remarked Sulaiman-Ibrahim, her voice resonating with conviction as she addressed the attentive gathering. “We envision a force that not only protects but actively collaborates with the communities it serves. Our town hall engagements are more than just forums—they are platforms for genuine dialogue, where every voice matters in shaping the future of our nation’s security.”
Central to the discourse were strategic reforms, designed to equip officers with the tools and training needed to meet evolving security threats while upholding human rights and professional standards. Her advocacy for community policing models and technological integration aims to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and the populace, fostering a symbiotic relationship built on trust and mutual respect. In a continuation of her ground-breaking initiative, Sulaiman-Ibrahim journeyed to Nasarawa State, following the success of the inaugural town hall held in Lagos under the auspices of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu. With resolute determination, she embarked on a mission to further shape the future of law enforcement in Nigeria through inclusive dialogue and strategic reform. The second edition of the Citizens Town Hall engagement resonated with purpose and promise.
A deviation from the past
In stark contrast to past administrations, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s tenure marks a decisive departure from mere rhetoric to proactive measures in addressing security challenges. This shift is driven by the dynamic and strategic approach of the Minister of Police Affairs, who advocates for a security strategy that prioritizes community input in safeguarding citizens. The Minister underscored this approach during the recent event, emphasising that the core of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda lies in implementing a community policing strategy tailored to local nuances. This approach ensures inclusivity and ownership among diverse community members and stakeholder groups.
Explaining the choice of Nasarawa for the next Town Hall engagement, Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the state’s unique security landscape. “Nasarawa State stands out due to its diverse and rapidly growing population,” she noted. “Its significant mineral resources attract local and international interest, while its proximity to the Federal Capital Territory offers socio-economic opportunities alongside security challenges. The state’s numerous tertiary institutions and large communities of Fulani herdsmen and farmers further add to its distinct security dynamics.”
Governor Abdullahi Sule echoed the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing security measures, affirming Nasarawa’s pivotal role in advancing the agenda for a revitalized Nigerian Police Force. Together, they are forging a path towards a safer and more prosperous Nigeria, where community engagement serves as the cornerstone of effective policing.
“Despite these complexities, Nasarawa State has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of challenges. The Renewed Hope Police Agenda for Nasarawa State, therefore, seeks to build on local efforts while supporting the existing collaborations that have made Nasarawa a shining example of effective security measures within the North Central Region. Security is local, and we must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation. This Town hall is, therefore, part of an extensive series of Town hall engagements across the country to catalyze a 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.”
Foundational pillars that forms strategic framework
Six foundational pillars serve as strategic frameworks meticulously crafted to redefine and fortify the Nigeria Police Force, with the recent gathering providing the minister and her team invaluable insights from diverse perspectives and experiences. Central to the citizens’ town hall engagement is the commitment to harness cutting-edge technology and refine operational protocols. This initiative aims to elevate the capabilities of Police Personnel across sectoral policing domains including Air, Marine, Transport, and Border management, ensuring enhanced effectiveness.
Addressing comprehensive standardisation, upgrade and modernisation of police stations, barracks, and training schools is pivotal. The Minister emphasises the necessity for modern infrastructure to bolster operational efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force. A robust support system, encompassing healthcare measures, pension administration, retirement benefits, housing provisions, remuneration and essential work tools and gear, stands at the core of the administration’s strategy to enhance the physical, mental, psychological, and financial well-being of the men and women of the Police Force.
However, the efficacy of these measures hinges significantly on the establishment of a legally backed national policing policy. Already in development, this policy aims to rebuild public trust and ensure adherence to the highest standards of professionalism and accountability within the Nigeria Police Force.
This pillar underscores the critical role of fostering a symbiotic relationship between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Through collaborative partnerships within the community, citizen engagement is enhanced, and public trust is fortified. Central to this approach is a focused effort on Re-branding, Strategic Communication, and Public Trust Management. Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the launch of a strategic branding campaign aimed at cultivating a positive and contemporary image for the Nigeria Police Force. In collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development, she initiated the “Young and Secure Initiative.” This initiative seeks to strengthen national security by fostering collaboration between the youth and the police, thus promoting a safer and more cohesive society. “We are working to ensure active engagement with citizens and effective management of public trust through transparent and accountable practices.”
On his part, Governor Sule stated that there are fundamentals that challenge the security of the state. “We have very diverse communities that are rapidly expanding and therefore shrinking communal land for agriculture; we have a significant mineral deposit that is attracting a lot of interest locally and internationally; we are in close proximity to the FCT, which puts pressure on us as a host to a large number of workers in the FCT; we are also host to a large number of Fulani herdsmen community. Despite these complexities, we have shown great resilience and have managed to create a stable and secure environment through our collective efforts and strategic initiatives.”
He highlighted significant strides in enhancing community participation in security governance through the inclusion of the Traditional Council in the State Security Council. This integration has facilitated a robust network of intelligence gathering from local communities, enabling proactive measures against emerging threats. “While our strategy has shown effectiveness,” Governor Sule remarked, “there remains ample room for improvement.” He emphasised the Town Hall meeting as a pivotal platform for exploring new ideas, gathering invaluable insights, and fostering a united approach to ensure the safety and security of Nasarawa State.
“Policing is resource-intensive, and we are committed to providing continuous support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security institutions to ensure they have the necessary resources to effectively carry out their duties,” Governor Sule affirmed. “I also call on the private sector and individuals with the means to contribute towards enhancing our security infrastructure and capabilities. We must collectively recognise that a safe and secure environment benefits us all. As custodians of safety, let us unite to build a more secure and resilient society.
“My administration is committed to supporting the ongoing police reforms of the Federal Government, and the vision of creating a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-driven, technology-oriented, and community-based resonates very well with us. As the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, I pledge our continued support for all efforts to strengthen our security infrastructure. We will collaborate closely with the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Nigeria Police Force, and all relevant stakeholders to achieve our shared objectives.”
Sulaiman-Ibrahim expressed sincere gratitude to President Tinubu “for his exceptional leadership, unwavering passion, and steadfast commitment to ensuring the security and safety of the country.” She also extended heartfelt appreciation to the governor for his outstanding hospitality and transformative vision that has propelled Nasarawa State into an era of commendable progress and heightened security, setting a notable benchmark for governance in the region. Furthermore, the minister acknowledged and appreciated the collaborative efforts of all security agencies, the traditional council, local governments, the Police Community Relations Committee, members of the State Security Council, and other critical stakeholders. Their collective contributions have been instrumental in advancing the shared security agenda of Nasarawa State.
“Let me also specially thank the Inspector General of Police and his team for their professionalism and commitment to the full implementation of the Police Act 2020, particularly as it relates to community policing and the implementation of key reforms within the policing ecosystem. In my role as the Minister of State Police Affairs and as the First Female Minister of Police, I have made a commitment to supporting efforts aimed at delivering viable solutions to tackle the complex issues that have limited the capability of the Nigeria Police Force. I invite you all to join me as we rebuild hope, restore confidence, and redefine policing in Nigeria to meet international standards and set the benchmark for professionalism, integrity, and accountability.”
Abia State has been selected to host the next eagerly anticipated town hall meeting, anticipated by Nigerians as a potential solution to the country’s persistent crime challenges and a means to rebuild trust between the Police Force and the populace.
