The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, Audu Garba Bosso, has called for deeper cooperation between the police and members of the community, emphasising that such partnership is vital for effective crime prevention and control across the state.
He noted that the collaboration would involve residents supplying the police with useful and prompt information, as well as assisting security operatives in ways that would strengthen their operations toward safeguarding their communities and the state as a whole.
Bosso, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Abdulkadir Hazmat, made the appeal during a Stakeholders’ Security Summit organised by the newly deployed Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Safiyanu Usman Gwarzo, at the New Owerri Division on Tuesday.
He encouraged residents and other stakeholders to maintain close cooperation with the police in preserving security.
“I urge you all to work closely with the DPO and his officers. Provide timely and credible information, support lawful operations and promote unity within your respective domains. Together, we can proactively prevent crime and build a safer environment for residents and businesses alike,” he said.
In their separate remarks, traditional and community leaders, including HRM Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro, who represented the Eze Imo, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke; Engr. Ndubuisi Chidomere, CEO of Pamtech Company; Mr. Fidelis Oguh, CEO of Gloran Hotel; and the Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, represented by the Assistant Secretary of the union, Comrade Chigozie Anosike, among other stakeholders, praised the initiative.
They described the summit as timely and essential to the security and development of the New Owerri area.
The stakeholders assured the police of their continuous support while also advocating the installation of CCTV cameras at key locations, strengthening rapid emergency response units, and creating a community security committee as part of measures to improve safety in the area.
Also speaking at the summit were the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam; the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department; the ACP in charge of the IGP X-Squad, Linus Nwaiwu; and the recently promoted Chief Principal Security Officer to the Governor, ACP Shaba Gboyako Adamu.
They all stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration, intelligence-led policing and mutual trust as crucial foundations for a safer Imo State.
Earlier in his remarks, the DPO, CSP Gwarzo, explained that the summit was organised to create a platform for stakeholders to express concerns and suggest practical solutions aimed at strengthening peace and security in New Owerri in support of sustained economic development.
He assured participants of his commitment, in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, to guarantee visible and efficient policing, uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, and encourage people-centred policing.
Gwarzo also urged residents to keep supporting the police, noting that effective and proactive policing largely depends on the cooperation of all stakeholders and members of the public.
The summit was attended by community leaders, government representatives, business owners, youth leaders, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) chairman, representatives of civil society organisations, other security agencies, and residents of New Owerri, Imo State.
