Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim has reiterated the commitment of the federal government to prioritize initiatives aimed at promoting community policing in the country.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim added that the government was also committed to enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding as well as strengthening the bond between the Police and the community.
The minister, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry of Police Affairs, Bolaji Kazeem, spoke during the commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Police Community Relations Committee, PCRC with a theme: “PCRC @40 Community Policing at its Best” held at the Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
She described the event as a remarkable milestone and a confirmation of the enduring legacy of community policing in the country and the invaluable contributions of the PCRC in fostering collaboration, trust, and understanding between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
“As we reflect on the journey of the PCRC over the past four decades, we are reminded of the vital role it has played in bridging the gap between the police force and the public. Since its establishment, the PCRC, through its tireless efforts in facilitating open dialogue, community engagement, and crime prevention initiatives, has significantly contributed to building trust and cooperation between the police force and the public,” she stressed.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim informed that President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Police ecosystem are actively engaged in implementing a Renewed Hope Police Reform and Transformation.
She said: “This comprehensive reform roadmap, structured around five pillars, includes Community Policing as one of its core components. Therefore, the PCRC holds a central position in the police reform agenda of this administration. We are steadfast in our commitment to fully implementing the community policing strategy outlined in the Police Act of 2020.”
The minister further assured that the government was committed to deep reforms within the NPF, backed by robust implementation plans and innovative resource mobilization and allocation, which has been the bane of previous reform efforts, adding that “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.”
In his remarks, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun commended members of the PCRC for their partnership and support in the implementation of the community strategy of the NPF.
Also speaking, the national chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan thanked the Ministry of Police Affairs and Nigeria Police Force for their support, especially for the land and seven vehicles donated by the ministry just as he requested their approval to invite developers to put up a physical structure for their secretariat and hotel accommodation on the land given to the PCRC by the government.
