BY AMOS DUNIA, ABUJA – The Inspector General of Police (Ag. IGP), Mohammed Adamu, on Tuesday in Kaduna called for the adoption of a potent crime management strategy modelled on the concept of community policing in which policing functions are citizens-centered and community driven.
The IGP, who made the call at the meeting of the Forum of Northern Traditional Rulers organized to deliberate on critical security issues especially as it affects the North, said that, although, the Nigeria Police have achieved major successes in addressing security and safety threats in recent times especially since the launch of ‘Operation Puff Adder’, a citizens-centered and community policing approach will lead to more sustainable successes in the management of internal safety and security threats.
Adamu opined that the Community Policing Model envisaged for the Country will involve the establishment and utilization of the Special Constables (as provided for in Sec. 50 (1) of the Police Act Cap P19 LFN 2004).
He further said that the Special Constables Model, mirrored after the Police Community Support Officers standard in the United Kingdom policing architecture, will be tailored to align with the existing traditional security structure in Northern Nigeria.
According to him; “The Special Constables will be drawn from members of the community to serve as voluntary community police officers under the coordination of the Nigeria Police Force. This new drive is in line with the expressed desire and directives of President Muhammadu Buhari.”
At the meeting which had in attendance, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar as Chairman, other top traditional rulers from the Northern part of the Country, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State, minister of Defence, Brig. Gen Mansur Dan Ali (rtd) and other top Government Functionaries, the IGP noted that traditional rulers are strategic actors within the community policing architecture.
He also said that the traditional institutional structure present a unique framework which if properly engaged could enhance the attainment of community policing practices and address communal threats in the most cost-effective and inclusive manner.
