Police press on with directive to withdraw security, focus on community policing
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
All moneybags, celebrities, politically exposed persons (PEPs), and other private citizens are to have their police security withdrawn soon in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for the police to focus on community policing instead of super protecting a few individuals.
Police Affairs Minister of State Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim disclosed the police high command is finalising plans to execute the directive so as to facilitate the strategy of community policing as done in modern societies.
She spoke at a management retreat at the Ministry of Police Affairs in Abuja, where she stressed the police and the ministry are at a critical juncture and struggling with the consequences of decades of neglect that have hindered their ability to fulfil their constitutional mandate.
Suleiman-Ibrahim reiterated the commitment of the ministry to help realise the vision of the new administration for a highly effective police.
“The Police Inspectorate Department, in particular, should evolve its operations to focus on robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning,” she said.
“Reports must be factual, practical, and evidence-based, and serve as critical tools for enhancing police performance.
“It must champion the review of the curriculum of the training institutions to ensure they are reflective of the evolving landscape of law enforcement, incorporating contemporary practices and international standards.
“The Police Service Department has multifaceted responsibilities and must rise to the occasion by ensuring administrative optimisation, making sure that relevant policies and procedures for the police are in place and up to date while also fostering the adoption of cutting-edge technology.
“It must be at the forefront of efforts to ensure we evolve an intelligence-led, technology-driven, inclusive, and community-based police force in Nigeria.
“The Planning, Research, and Statistics Department must position itself as a knowledge hub, providing historical insights and conducting cutting-edge research to inform policymaking.
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Partnership with research institutions
“By fostering partnerships with renowned research institutions and staying current with global trends, this department will play a vital role in shaping evidence-based strategies for the Nigerian Police Force,” Suleiman-Ibrahim added, per Vanguard.
“As you are aware, our key mandates include developing and implementing a harmonised police reform report, amending the Police Act, executing Mr President’s directive on the withdrawal of police personnel from VIP security duties, and developing a community policing strategy, amongst others.
“We must not see these mandates as mere tasks but as transformative initiatives that can enhance internal security in Nigeria.”
