Insecurity: IGP unveils plan for implementation of community policing

Usman Alkali Baba, inspector-general of police (IGP), has unveiled a plan for the implementation of community policing in Nigeria.

When he met with senior police officers on Thursday, Baba said the community policing initiative would be part of his “new policing vision.”

The federal government had in August approved N13 billion for the take-off of the community policing initiative but the process is yet to commence.

The IGP’s intention to begin the initiative comes amid Nigeria’s growing security challenges.

Bandits and Boko Haram insurgents have continued to attack communities in the north even as the south is battling with increasing killings.

A statement issued after the police officers’ meeting in Abuja read: “The highlights of the new policing vision include: Deploying cutting-edge policing technology and integrating intelligence-led policing practices to core policing functions, with a view to strengthening police capacity to stabilise the internal security order and restore public confidence in the Force.

“The new policing vision equally seeks to, among other things, give full effect to the concept of community policing and deliver quality police service that will be guided by the principles of public accountability and conformity to the rule of law.

“It will also embrace the social content of policing in which police officers see themselves as compassionate servants and helpers of the citizens.”

The IGP also promised that under his leadership, police officers “will uphold the rights of the people and work within professional standards.”

“He expressed confidence that in the shortest possible time, the new policing vision and operational strategies would return our beloved nation to the path of public safety, security and peace,” the statement added.