CP Afolabi Moves to Strengthen Community Policing, Orders Better Security Collaboration in Umuahia

CP Afolabi Moves to Strengthen Community Policing, Orders Better Security Collaboration in Umuahia

The Abia State Commissioner of Police, CP Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi, has directed officers and men of the Command to strengthen collaboration with approved community security groups to tackle security challenges and improve crime prevention in Umuahia North Local Government Area.

Afolabi gave the directive during a stakeholders’ engagement held at the Umuahia North Local Government Hall as part of the ongoing Community Safety Partnership initiative of the Abia State Police Command.

The meeting brought together the Mayor of Umuahia North LGA, Chief Hon. Smart Iheoma; traditional rulers; community security vigilantes; members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC); youth and women groups; traders; farmers/herders groups and other stakeholders from Central Police Station, Umuahia, Ubakala, World Bank, Ikwuano, Mike Okiro and Ohuhu Divisional Police Headquarters.

During the interactive session, stakeholders raised concerns over inadequate manpower and logistics, unprofessional conduct, poor collaboration, the need for sustained community engagement and enlightenment, as well as the training of local community security groups.

Responding to the concerns, the Commissioner directed the police to deepen cooperation with approved community security groups, stressing that stronger collaboration would help address manpower challenges.

He also disclosed the introduction of motorcycle patrols to improve police mobility and operational effectiveness, particularly in areas that are not easily accessible by conventional patrol vehicles.

According to him, motorcycle patrol teams should comprise not less than three motorcycles and not more than six properly armed officers.

Afolabi assured the stakeholders that the security concerns raised at the meeting would be strategically addressed, adding that the Command had outlined capacity-building programmes covering intelligence gathering, crime mapping, proactive crime prevention and professional development.

He further directed that telephone contacts of Divisional Police Headquarters and the Area Command, including emergency lines and complaint response units, should be visibly displayed to improve public access to the police.

The CP also advised residents to adopt basic security measures, including the use of pedal and wheel locks for vehicles, maintaining good neighbourly relations and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the police.

He urged community leaders to involve the police in employment processes within their communities to facilitate proper profiling and documentation of prospective employees.

The Commissioner assured local community security groups that they would be included in upcoming training programmes being organised by the Command as part of efforts to strengthen community-based policing and improve security across the state.