GP Idris seeks stakeholders' support to tackle security challenges

Owerri- Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Ibrahim Kpotun-Idris has called for the collaborative support of all stakeholders towards addressing the various security challenges facing the country.


Idris, made the call on Thursday at a security summit with the theme "Community Policing: Rethinking  National  Security  Framework for National Development" held at Owerri, the Imo state capital.


He said the objective of the security summit and several others held since May 2017 at various parts of the country was geared towards continual engagement with the people on how best to protect them.


"It is true that the primary responsibility of the Police as provided in Section 4 of the Police Act is the prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders, the preservation of law and order, the protection of life and property and the due enforcement of all laws and regulations.


"The truth however is that these responsibilities cannot be effectively performed without the input and collaboration of the people.


He identified Community Policing as one of the most effective strategy of policing to curb crime and criminality as well as other security challenges since it involves the engagement and partnership of the community in proactive and systematic identification of problems and how to effectively address them.


"Under this approach, the Police is increasingly engaging the Traditional rulers, religious based organisations, market women, students and Non Governmental Organisations in resolving crimes within communities, " he added.



According to the IGP, the  police also require logistic support in terms of operational vehicles, information and Communication Technology gadgets as well as forensic and scientific aids for investigation from stakeholders towards ensuring effective policing.


"This dimension to community policing is crucial as the police may not be able to deal with security threats even when identified by the Community without technological and scientific support," Idris said.



The police boss noted that in spite of the funding challenges, the crime prevention strategies of the Police under his watch have been largely effective as some milestone achievement were recorded within the last two years with the arrest of high profile kidnappers, armed robbers and bandits across the country.


"The Police under my watch is more committed than ever before to defeat all security challenges confronting the Nation through community Policing. We need the support of the Imo People, the South East People and that of all Nigerians," Idris added.