The federal government has reiterated the need for the police to collectively address the issue of response time to distress calls by Nigerians to enable citizens to enjoy safer environment in the country.
Minister of police affairs, Senator Ibrahim Gaidam, made this known during the official briefing by the ag. inspector-general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The minister said this can be achieved through the effective use of technology, inter-agency collaboration, the building of mutual trust, and proper management of information.
To enhance response capabilities, Gaidam said, they need to establish a standby force of at least three units of the Police Mobile Force in each state command, adding that this will ensure rapid and effective response to unforeseen incidents.
In his words, “Community engagement and trust building should be emphasized as well. The police force must actively involve the communities they serve, fostering a sense of cooperation and partnership. By enhancing coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement, we can create a unified front against crime and ensure a more effective response.”
He added that to tackle the diverse range of criminal activities, they need to establish specialized units that can address each type of crime, saying this will require comprehensive training and capacity building programmes for officers and investing in technology for surveillance.
“Effective intelligence gathering mechanisms are critical for proactive crime prevention. We must establish robust systems to gather and analyze intelligence, enabling us to stay one step ahead of criminals. Strengthening cooperation between the police and the judiciary is also essential to ensure the smooth administration of justice,” Gaidam stressed.
He pointed out that, several specific areas of concern require their immediate attention noting that they must establish a clear mission and vision for the police force, aligning their goals with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.
