By Nkechinyere Ewa
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, Abia State, Polycap Nwonyi Emeka, has sought the support and cooperation of traditional rulers in Ebonyi State to strengthen community policing and curb crime.
Nwonyi appealed during a familiarisation visit to Abakaliki, where he met with traditional rulers and other stakeholders as part of his tour of duty covering Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states.
The AIG described traditional rulers as critical partners in maintaining peace, social cohesion and community stability, noting that their knowledge of local communities and early-warning mechanisms remained invaluable to security agencies.
He said security could not be achieved by the police alone, stressing the need for partnership, credible information sharing, community engagement and confidence between security agencies and the people.
According to him, timely and accurate information from communities could help prevent crime, protect lives and property, and enable the police to respond quickly to emerging threats.
Nwonyi also urged the traditional institution to encourage residents to cooperate with the police and other security agencies by providing useful information on suspicious activities and emerging security threats.
He assured the traditional rulers that the police under his leadership would operate professionally, fairly and within the law, while promoting respect for human dignity.
The AIG further emphasised that effective policing was not limited to enforcement, but also involved service, crime prevention, dialogue and partnership with communities.
He called for a stronger security partnership involving traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth representatives, religious leaders, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
Nwonyi also urged senior police officers to encourage, teach and guide junior officers in the Force, particularly on the core principles and professional responsibilities of policing.
He said Abakaliki, as an important economic, administrative and social centre, required a stable security environment to support the prosperity of Ebonyi State and the wider Southeast.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police, Ebonyi State Command, CP Hope Urunwa, appreciated the AIG for the familiarisation visit, saying it boosted the confidence and morale of officers and men of the command.
Urunwa said the visit would further strengthen the command and provide additional motivation for personnel to discharge their duties effectively.
The AIG expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers for receiving his delegation and pledged to work closely with the traditional institution in developing practical approaches to community security, peaceful coexistence and crime prevention.