Towards ensuring highest standards and performance in tackling the nature and sophistication of crime and criminal activities that change in proportion to human advancement, Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode added his voice to the calls for adoption of right strategies, use of technology and strong synergy between security agencies and the public to surmount security challenges in Nigeria.
At public lecture on security organized by Nigeria Police, held in Lagos, Friday, August 4, 2017, Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode, represented by Dr. Idiat Adebule, Deputy Governor said: “Although the issue of State Police has not gained the desired consensus, I believe that it is the panacea for effective policing that is community based.”
And added: “It is a common knowledge that the numerical strength of the Nigeria Police as at today falls short of the minimum requirement relative to our population. For instance, Lagos State, with a population of over 22 million, has less than 30,000 police officer. This shortfall can be bridged to some extent with the deployment of appropriate technology and close relationship between the people and this police.”
Etannibi Alemika, Professor of Criminology in his presentation said partnership with citizens and security agencies – the police in particular — was inevitable for effective crime control and efficient criminal justice system. He said intelligence, crime analysis, adequate funding, human resources development and management in the police force were factors that could ensure effective policing and security.
Nigeria’s number one policeman, Ibrahim Idris, Inspector-General of Police said Nigerians should be concerned of efforts the police is putting in protecting lives and property in the country. On resumption as Inspector-General of Police, Idris said strategies of crime fighting and detection have recorded successes in crime fighting as in the cases of arrested kidnappers, armed robbery suspects and those killed in cross fire operations.
Idris words: “The police has been recording successes, but they cannot do it alone, which is why we are having this lecture. There has to be synergy among security agencies and the civilian populace to effectively deal with the challenges of security in the country. The police need the collaboration of the communities in terms of information, intelligence and other support to fight crime and criminality.”
Idris said: “We need the support of all Nigerians, more funding, manpower, technological and scientific support, as well as welfare and motivation for police officers to win the security challenges confronting the country.”
The theme of the public lecture is: “Providing Strategic Solutions To Emergent Security Challenges – The Essentials Of Synergy Among Security Agencies And The Civil Populace.”
