The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has commended the Police Community Relations Committee for their partnership and support in the implementation of the community strategy of the Nigeria Police Force.
IGP Egbetokun said this on Wednesday at the grand finale of PCRC’s 40th anniversary at Merit House, Abuja.
The IGP said that the PCRC has been an invaluable partner to the Police fostering mutual trust, understanding, and collaboration between the police and the communities they serve.
In her remarks at the grand finale held at the Merit House, Maitama Abuja, the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaimon-Ibrahim reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to prioritize initiatives aimed at promoting community policing, enhancing transparency and accountability, and fostering a culture of respect and understanding as well as strengthening the bond between the police and the community.
The Minister said that this is a remarkable milestone and a confirmation of the enduring legacy of community policing in the nation and the invaluable contributions of the PCRC in fostering collaboration, trust, and understanding between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
In her words, “As we reflect on the journey of the PCRC over the past four decades, we are reminded of the vital role it has played in bridging the gap between the police force and the public. Since its establishment, the PCRC, through its tireless efforts in facilitating open dialogue, community engagement, and crime prevention initiatives, has significantly contributed to building trust and cooperation between the police force and the public”.
Imaan expressed appreciation to the men and women of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) who have dedicated their lives to protecting and serving the nation.
“Your unwavering commitment to upholding law and order is the cornerstone of our society, and your sacrifices have not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the government and the people of Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your service and dedication”, She stressed.
The Minister of State pointed out that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the police ecosystem are actively engaged in implementing a Renewed Hope Police Reform and Transformation.
According to her, “This comprehensive Reform Roadmap, structured around five pillars, includes Community Policing as one of its core components. Therefore, the PCRC holds a central position in the police reform agenda of this administration. We are steadfast in our commitment to fully implementing the community policing strategy outlined in the Police Act of 2020”.
She stated that the government is committed to deep reforms within the Nigeria Police Force, backed by robust implementation plans and innovative resource mobilization and allocation, which has been the bane of previous reform efforts.
The National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan thanked the Ministry of Police Affairs and Nigeria Police Force for their support, especially for the land and seven vehicles donated by the Ministry.
He requested the approval of the Ministry and Nigeria Police Force for the PCRC to invite developers to put up a physical structure for their secretariat and hotel accommodation on the land given to the PCRC by the government
The Police Community Relations Committee marked their 40th anniversary with the theme “PCRC @40 Community Policing at its Best” and with a series of commemorative events, from the Lecture for Women and Youths with the theme Emerging Leaders: Impacts on Socio-Economic and National Security” to the Dinner/Gala Night and a Grand Finale ceremony where creme De Creme in the society including the Minister of State for Police Affairs, the Inspector General of Police, Minister of State for Police Affairs, Royal Fathers, Top Government officials, strategic managers of the Nigeria Police among others.
Awards were presented to distinguished committed members of the PCRC, Officers of the Nigeria Police Force, the IRT Commander, the FCT Commissioner of Police, and Force Public Relations, among others.
