Inspector-General of Police, IGP Solomon E. Arase, has directed all State Commands Commissioners of Police (CPs) and the FCT to, as a matter of urgency, convene town hall meeting in their respective State Commands.

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole, announced this in a statement issued this afternoon in Abuja. She disclosed that this is “as part of strategic initiative of the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at adopting community policing practices in addressing internal security challenges.”

According to the Force PRO, “The IGP, while reiterating that the move is to address specifically the misinformation, anxiety and animosity being generated in relation to the current security challenges associated with local communities and herdsmen, directed that the proposed meetings should be held at State and Area Commands as well as at Divisional levels, to enhance the process of reassurance policing and need for peaceful coexistence and sensitivity of each community’s value, space and interest.

“The Forum, which will be utilised as a veritable platform for dialogue between all parties within the community, would have participants drawn from all strategic security Stakeholders which include traditional rulers, community leaders, public officials, religious actors, youths bodies, local vigilante groups, women/market associations, Police Community Relations Committee, other sister security agencies, professional bodies, media, State and non-State actors, among others.

“Consequently, the IGP has directed all Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge Zonal Commands (AIGs) to personally oversee the process, as it affects Commands under their Area of Responsibility and to ensure urgent compliance.”

ACP Kolawole said that “while urging the citizen to put their differences aside and courageously continue to support the Police in the face of current security challenges confronting the country, the IGP reassured the public of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to the safety and security of all Nigerians anywhere in any part of the country.”

•File Photo shows IGP Arase.

Update news