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Community Policing, Key To Ending Insecurity In Nigeria — Ikpokpo
Former Director General of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and Managing Consultant Crestpoint consulting Ltd, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo KSM has urged the Nation’s parliament to urgently provide the necessary legislative framework and constitutional provisions to institutionalize community policing under the control and regulation of local governments as a lasting solution to Nigeria’s worsening insecurity.
In a statement, Ikpokpo commended the recent military clampdown on kidnappers around Ogwashi-Uku and other parts of Delta North Senatorial District, noting that the support and intelligence-gathering roles of community vigilantes and volunteer security groups were crucial to the success of those operations.
He stressed that such outcomes underscore the non-negotiable role of community policing in fighting insecurity across the country. The former ALGON Delta State Chairman and Former Chairman of Isoko South Local Government Area observed that until a well-structured community policing system under the control of the local government and backed by constitutional regulation on mode of operations and funding is enacted by the National Assembly and domesticated by the various State Assemblies, the nation’s security challenges will persist.
He listed the shortage of security personnel, rising population, vast landmass, unfamiliar terrain, and cultural and language barriers as key factors undermining the current policing structure. “The recent successes by security agencies in Ogwashi-Uku and other parts of Delta North against kidnappers, coupled with the backing roles of community vigilantes and volunteers, highlight the urgent need for the institutionalisation of community policing under the regulation and control of local governments.
While we have pockets of vigilante and volunteer groups across the country, it is expedient to legitimise and integrate them into the local government-led community policing system,” he stated. Ikpokpo lamented the delay in legislative and policy conversations around community policing, describing it as a major factor behind Nigeria’s deteriorating security.
He aligned with security experts who believe that institutionalised community policing could reduce insecurity by 60 to 70 percent, citing his practical and administrative experiences as local government chairman. Recounting his tenure between 2014 and 2021, Ikpokpo revealed that the total police strength in Isoko South Local Government never exceeded 60 personnel for an area covering 668 square kilometres and over 10 towns and communities.
“Beyond the inadequate number of personnel, issues such as language and cultural barriers, alongside difficult terrain, have rendered the present policing system grossly insufficient. Our communities are largely unpoliced spaces where crime and criminality thrive unchallenged. To argue otherwise is to live in denial,” he warned.
Ikpokpo therefore called on the National Assembly and the various State Assemblies to as a matter of urgency, initiate modalities for local government community policing and enact appropriate legislations for its operation. “It is the surest panacea to the hydra-headed insecurity plaguing the nation,” he declared.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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