Police Tackle Resurgence Of Criminality In Borno Through Community Engagement

The Nigeria Police said that the resurgence of criminalities such as isolated Boko Haram attacks, banditry and highway armed robbery, kidnapping for ransom, youth restiveness and unregulated movement of people and goods would be tackled through community engagement.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police ( AIG ) , Zone 15 Borno/ Yobe, Mr Kenechukwu Onwuemelie disclosed this during his keynote address at the Police Command Engagement with Critical Community Based Security Stakeholders Meeting held yesterday at the Borno State Police Headquarters in Maiduguri.
AIG Onwuemelie noted that these threats of criminality are not insurmountable, saying that overcoming them requires a collective, whole-of-society approach.

He said the forum of the security stakeholders was convened by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 15 Headquarters, Maiduguri, in line with the strategic vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to achieve a 40% reduction in crime in 2025, across the thirty-six (36) states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

” Part of the Zone’s effort towards that goal is to foster stronger relationships with critical stakeholders in Borno State. We consider this a key approach to realizing the vision.

” The hosting of this forum today underscores the pertinent need to deepen engagement with you, our vital partners, in a state that has shown remarkable resilience amid prolonged security challenges. The commitment shown by your presence here today is as commendable, as it is crucial to the peace, stability, and long-term development of Borno State.

” This forum is not just another meeting. It provides a platform for: Sharing field experiences in security management within the state; discussing the distinct challenges faced by various stakeholders, figuring out immediate and long-term needs for enhancing security, and strengthening collaboration and trust between communities and the police,” Onwuemelie said.

On the stakeholders’ role, the AIG said Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) ‘s grassroots intelligence and vigilance are essential to the community policing framework, adding that Road Transport Unions’ insight into passenger and vehicle movement is crucial for early detection of suspicious activities.

For GSM Sellers Associations, he said their cooperation in dealing with issues about stolen phones, laptops and device tracking continues to aid investigations significantly.

He said hoteliers and property owners’ accurate documentation of guests and tenants is an essential tool in prevention of crime, while women’s organizations influence within homes and communities is critical in countering radicalisation and encouraging early reporting of suspicious behaviour.

He advised that institutions of higher learning must remain centres of enlightenment, not recruitment grounds for criminal elements.

“Security is everyone’s responsibility. It begins with vigilance—whether in our homes, places of business, employment, schools, or places of worship and transit,” he said.