FG committed to building world-class, inclusive police force, says Minister
By Kunle Sanni
The Federal Government is resolute in its mission to develop a world-class police force that is inclusive, intelligence-led, technology-driven, and community-based, according to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.
During the “Renewed Hope Police Agenda: Citizens Town Hall Engagement on Strengthening Community Policing in Nigeria,” held at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Abia State, Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized the government’s dedication to deep reforms. These reforms are supported by a comprehensive implementation plan and innovative resource mobilization strategies, aimed at addressing the shortcomings of previous efforts.
The Minister underscored that security is inherently local, highlighting the necessity for strategies tailored to each community’s unique characteristics, challenges, and strengths. She noted that the nationwide town hall engagements are designed to enhance grassroots understanding of security issues and to promote community-specific solutions.
The town hall meeting, themed “Community Policing: Building A Safer Nigeria Together,” was aimed at fostering collaboration between the government and citizens in the pursuit of a safer and more secure Nigeria.
In her address, the Minister stated, “Security is local, and we must acknowledge and embrace the unique dynamics of each community in our pursuit of a safer nation. Today’s town hall is a reflection of the significant shift in our approach to policing. As you may be aware, Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 prioritizes the security and welfare of our people.”
She highlighted Abia State’s economic importance, noting that its reputation for commerce and industry makes it a focal point for trade across the Southeast and beyond. However, this economic vibrancy also presents specific security challenges, particularly in business-related crimes. “The state’s strategic location along key transit routes adds another layer of complexity, necessitating robust measures to address issues such as road safety, smuggling, and the protection of critical infrastructure,” she said. Despite these challenges, Sulaiman-Ibrahim acknowledged Abia State’s resilience and pledged the government’s support to further strengthen it.
The Minister further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed security at the center of the administration’s eight priorities. She announced the commencement of the implementation of the Renewed Hope Police Agenda, aimed at strategically positioning the police force to fulfill its mandate effectively.
“At the heart of this Renewed Hope Police Agenda is the implementation of a community policing strategy that is designed with consideration of local peculiarities, involving full participation from members of the various communities and stakeholder groups to ensure inclusivity and ownership,” she explained.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim outlined six foundational pillars serving as strategic frameworks to redefine and strengthen the Nigeria Police Force. These include Technical and Operational Excellence, Infrastructure Advancement, Welfare Enhancement, Policy Framework Development, Strategic Communication, and Public Trust Management.
The Executive Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, commended the Ministry for its shift in approach to security through the engagement of critical stakeholders. He acknowledged the importance of involving community leaders in security strategies, marking a departure from previous practices that isolated them.
Governor Otti remarked, “The security of life and property is the priority of my administration, and my government is committed to doing everything necessary to protect citizens from criminals. I have established a joint task force and engaged various security agencies and paramilitary groups to support our objective of maintaining round-the-clock security for business activities in the state.”
