Police Seek Support Of Kwara Youths On Law, Order

Ahead of the 2027 general election, the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, Ojo Adekimi, has charged the youths to join hands with the security police in maintaining security of lives and property in the state.

Ojo, who emphasised that the young people have a lot of role to play in the fight against insecurity in the state, said that effective policing requires public trust, accountability and stronger collaboration between the police and the citizens.

Adekimi spoke at the 2026 Police-Youth Interactive Forum tagged, “The Police and You”, organised by the Kwara State Police Command in Ilorin, the state capital.

The programme themed, “Understanding Our Rights: Building Trust, Strengthening Community Security and Promoting Peaceful Elections”, provided a platform for the youths to engage police authorities on security concerns, citizens’ rights and policing practices.

Ojo said the programme was designed to deepen community participation in policing in line with the people-oriented policing philosophy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

He explained that the physical engagement was informed by concerns and expectations previously expressed by young people through radio programmes, TikTok live discussions and other social media platforms.

According to him, the command considered it necessary to move beyond online conversations and create an opportunity for direct interaction, exchange of ideas and practical solutions to challenges affecting police-community relations.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order and confronting criminal activities across the state.

He said police operatives were making sacrifices to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other security threats, assuring residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts to rid the state of criminal elements.

Adekimi, however, maintained that policing should not be assessed solely by arrests and crime prevention but also by the level of public confidence, professionalism and respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.

In his presentation, Barr Adekunle Iwalaye, called for greater awareness of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and the fundamental rights of citizens, describing such understanding as essential to building public confidence in law enforcement.

Speaking on the topic, “Police Constitutional Duties and Citizens’ Rights,” Iwalaye said citizens, particularly young people, needed to understand the limits of police powers, their constitutional rights and their responsibilities towards maintaining law and order.