Security Is Everyone’s Business, DIG Tells Anambra Stakeholders

AWKA, ANAMBRA STATE

The Inspector General of Police, Tunji Disu, through the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-East and head of  the Department of Logistics and Supply at the Headquarters, Abuja, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has called for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to tackle insecurity in Anambra State.

Speaking during a stakeholders' security engagement in Awka on Tuesday, the DIG described the meeting as a strategic effort aimed at strengthening trust, deepening cooperation and building a united front against criminal activities.

“This engagement is strategic. It is a deliberate effort to strengthen trust, deepen collaboration and build a united front against the challenges confronting our various communities,” he said.

According to him, the engagement was anchored on four key pillars: listening, collaboration, prevention of security threats and trust-building.

He noted that traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders and youth groups remain critical partners in maintaining security because they are often the first to notice signs of tension and criminal activities within their communities.

“Security is a shared responsibility. The police cannot do it alone, and communities cannot do it alone. When all stakeholders work together, the results are stronger and more sustainable,” he stated.

The DIG urged residents to provide timely information to security agencies, report suspicious movements and assist in resolving disputes before they escalate into violence.

He also advocated stronger youth engagement programmes, warning that idle youths are vulnerable to recruitment by criminal gangs.

Onwuemelie assured stakeholders that the police would strengthen intelligence gathering, improve response times, deepen operations in rural communities and sustain collaboration with other security agencies, including the military, DSS, NSCDC and recognised vigilante groups.

He warned that officers found guilty of misconduct or abuse of citizens' rights would be sanctioned.

“Officers who violate the law or abuse citizens will face consequences. Professionalism will not be negotiated,” he said.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, represented by Deputy Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Ezekiel, said crime rates had reduced in the state due to improved collaboration among security agencies.

During an interactive session, traditional rulers and community leaders commended the efforts of state-backed security outfits Udogachi and Agunechemba while proposing measures to improve trust and cooperation between the police and the public.

The stakeholders' meeting ended with a renewed commitment by security agencies and community leaders to strengthen partnerships aimed at sustaining peace and security across Anambra State.