Minister, I-G Task PCRC On Emerging Security Challenges
By Abdul Hassan
Minister of Police Affairs. Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidem, has urged the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) to commit towards confronting the emerging security challenges in the country.
Gaidam, represented by the Deputy Director, Community Policing in the ministry, Muhammud Yakubu, made the appeal at 41st anniversary of the PCRC, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said the track record of the committee was evidence of commitment, hope and confidence on the current fight against crime in communities.
“Your contributions have remained vital in confronting emerging security challenges, including but not limited to terrorism, banditry, cybercrime, and communal conflict,’’ he said.
“The Federal government has recognised the committee’s role in crime prevention, intelligence gathering, public sensitization that led to peace, order, and national cohesion.
“ We have also acknowledged your contributions in promoting early warning systems, strengthening intelligence-led policing, and building internal confidence between the law enforcement and the public cannot be overemphasized. Gaidam said.
The Minister further said that PCRC would continue to be an essential partner in achieving the vision of the current administration of police reform especially on Police house hold engagement.
“ Youth empowerment initiative, and support of police command nationwide, the PCRC has significantly enhanced public engagement in security governance,’’ he said.
According to him, the ministry of police affairs in collaboration with other stakeholders will continue to support the community based policy structures.
In his remarks, the inspector General of Police,Kayode Egbetokun, represented by FCT Commissioner of Police, Adewole Saka, described the achievement of PCRC within four decades as significant progress in the police force and general security of the country.
“We believe that security is a shared responsibility and it is through partnership like this we can truly build a safer, safer, and more united Nigeria,’’ I-G said.
He commended the visions of Committee’s leaders for dedication and commitment to assist police in their operations.
“I reaffirm the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthen our synergy with PCRC for proactive security collaboration, he said.
Also delivering a lecture, Mrs Mariam Mohammed, National Coordinator, Lift For Citizens Development and Advancement, said the PCRC was an intervention in the security of the people to ensure good and sustainable results.
She said her organization would partner with PCRC to engage with communities in fostering trust and dialogue, organize awareness campaigns on youth rights and responsibilities, and trainings for the rank and file,
“Organise training of paralegals to equip them with the necessary skill, guide public on their fundamental human rights and best approaches of relating with law enforcement agencies,’’ Mariam said.
Earlier, the PCR National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, thanked the Inspector-General of Police, and other security agencies for their continuous support to the committee.
” We are here to support Nigeria police, the Federal government alone cannot shoulder all security responsibilities, there is the need for states intervention,’’ he said.
He called on captains of industries and organisations to emulate Dangote Group in supporting Nigerian Police Force with operational equipments.
Olaniyan enjoined communities to provide vital information to security agents on criminal activities in their localities.
“ This year’s anniversary is targeting at recapitulating successes, challenges and solutions within the last three decades.”
