Community Policing, Only Path To Lasting Security – DIG Abubakar

Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Yahaya Sahabo Abubakar, has urged officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to fully embrace community-oriented policing, describing it as the only viable path to lasting peace and security in the country.

Abubakar made the call in his valedictory message after resigning from the Force on Monday, September 15, 2025, after 33 years of service.

He said his experience in the Force had convinced him that sustainable security could only be achieved when communities and the police work together to prevent and fight crime.

According to him, community policing is not just a programme but also a fundamental policing philosophy that must be adopted at every level of the NPF.

“Building symbiotic relationships with communities, leveraging local intelligence, and solving problems collectively is the approach that will address causes of crime and the fear of crime in our communities,” he said.

While paying tribute to successive Inspectors-General of Police under whom he served, Abubakar stressed that the public’s trust and confidence in the Force would only be earned when officers show respect for human rights, the rule of law, and the principle that “the police are the public, and the public are the police.”

The retiring DIG also called for continuous investment in modern policing tools, personnel training and retraining, improved welfare for frontline officers, and stronger inter-agency cooperation. Still, he maintained that community policing must remain central to the Force’s operations.

Abubakar expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Police Service Commission, his course mates, subordinates, and all officers he worked with.

He pledged to remain a proud ambassador of the Force even in retirement.

“As I bow out with my head held high, I am confident that the abundant young talents within the ranks, coupled with the current leadership of the Force, will steer the Nigeria Police through present and future challenges.

I may be retiring from active service, but my spirit will always remain with the Force,” he said.