Jane Salihu
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has urged the Imo State Police Command to place stronger emphasis on intelligence gathering and community partnership in tackling security challenges across the state.
Disu gave the directive on Thursday during an operational visit to the Imo State Police Command Headquarters in Owerri, where he received briefings on the state’s security situation, ongoing operations and challenges confronting the command.
The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, said the IGP was received by the Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso, alongside the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, AIG Emeka P. Nwonyi, and other senior officers.
The briefing, according to Iniedu, also examined measures to improve the command’s operational effectiveness and response to security concerns.
Addressing officers and stakeholders, Disu stressed that effective policing could not be achieved without public trust and sustained cooperation between security personnel and the communities they serve.
He therefore charged personnel to uphold discipline, integrity and respect for citizens while improving intelligence gathering, community engagement and prompt response to threats.
The IGP said police and communities had complementary responsibilities in maintaining peace and security, urging officers to strengthen relationships with residents and other stakeholders.
Iniedu said representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee, traditional institutions, Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and community groups commended the police for their efforts in maintaining peace in the state.
The stakeholders also pledged continued support for community-based security initiatives.
Disu later paid a courtesy visit to the Eze Imo, HRM Eze Dr E.C. Okeke, CFR, where discussions focused on peace, conflict prevention and the role of traditional institutions in strengthening security partnerships.
The Force spokesman said the Nigeria Police Force would continue to promote professional and intelligence-led policing while deepening engagement with communities and other critical stakeholders to improve security across the country.
