People Must Trust Police, IG Seeks End to Mutual Suspicion

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has called for stronger collaboration between the police, communities, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to effectively address insecurity across the country.

He also appealed for an end to the longstanding mutual suspicion between law enforcement agencies and citizens, stressing that sustainable security can only be achieved through trust and cooperation.

Disu made the appeal on Tuesday during a strategic stakeholders’ engagement on security held in Awka, the Anambra State capital.

Represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-East zone, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, the IGP said the engagement was designed to strengthen partnerships among key stakeholders and promote lasting peace, security and public safety.

According to him, effective policing relies heavily on public confidence and the free flow of information between communities and security agencies.

Onwuemelie explained that the IGP had directed all six Deputy Inspectors-General across the country to engage stakeholders within their zones to identify practical solutions to prevailing security challenges.

“This stakeholders’ engagement is to deepen collaboration between the police, communities and relevant bodies in Anambra State to effectively combat crime and criminality,” he said.

The DIG noted that the forum provides an opportunity for security agencies, traditional rulers, government representatives and community leaders to deliberate on security threats, identify emerging challenges and improve intelligence-sharing mechanisms.

He urged communities to work closely with security agencies and legally recognised vigilante groups to tackle criminal activities.

“Security is a collective responsibility. No individual or agency can tackle insecurity alone. The police and other security agencies require the support and cooperation of traditional institutions, community leaders and residents,” he stated.

Onwuemelie lamented that silence within communities often allows criminals to operate freely and called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.

He identified cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, targeted killings and drug trafficking as some of the major drivers of insecurity.

“The people need to trust the police, and the police also need to trust the people. It is only when there is mutual trust between the police and communities that information can flow freely,” he said.

The DIG also clarified that the establishment of state police requires constitutional amendments and legislative approval.

The event was attended by security chiefs, traditional rulers, vigilante groups, civil society organisations, transport unions, journalists and community representatives, all of whom pledged continued support for efforts aimed at improving security across Anambra State and the wider South-East region.