Imo Police Chief Urges Stronger Community Collaboration To Tackle Crime

The Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Audu Garba Bosso, has called for stronger cooperation between the police and residents, stressing that effective community partnership is critical to preventing and combating crime across the state.

Bosso said collaboration between security agencies and the public would help improve intelligence gathering and enhance policing efforts in communities.

He made the call during a Stakeholders’ Security Summit organised by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of the New Owerri Division, CSP Safiyanu Usman Gwarzo, on Tuesday.

The police commissioner, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Abdulkadir Hazmat, urged community members and key stakeholders to support security personnel by providing useful and timely information.

“I urge you all to work closely with the DPO and his officers. Provide timely and credible information, support lawful police operations and promote unity within your communities. Together, we can prevent crime and build a safer environment for residents and businesses,” he said.

Traditional rulers, community leaders, and other stakeholders who spoke at the summit described the initiative as timely and vital for improving security in the New Owerri area.

Among them were HRM Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro, who represented the Eze Imo, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke; Engr. Ndubuisi Chidomere, Chief Executive Officer of Pamtech Company; Mr. Fidelis Oguh, CEO of Gloran Hotel; and the Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, who was represented by the union’s Assistant Secretary, Comrade Chigozie Anosike.

The stakeholders pledged their continued support for security agencies and recommended measures to strengthen safety in the area. These included the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations, improved rapid emergency response units, and the creation of a community security committee.

Also speaking at the summit were the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam; the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department; the ACP in charge of the IGP X-Squad, Linus Nwaiwu; and the recently promoted Chief Principal Security Officer to the Governor, ACP Shaba Gboyako Adamu.

They all stressed that intelligence-driven policing, mutual trust, and sustained cooperation between security agencies and residents are essential to building a safer Imo State.

Earlier, the DPO of New Owerri Division, CSP Gwarzo, explained that the summit was organised to provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss security concerns and propose practical solutions to improve peace and stability in the area.

He reaffirmed his commitment to implementing the directives of the Commissioner of Police by ensuring effective and visible policing, promoting respect for human rights, and strengthening community-based policing.

Gwarzo also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police, noting that proactive policing depends largely on cooperation between the police and the public.

The summit attracted community leaders, business owners, youth representatives, government officials, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), civil society organisations, security agencies, and residents of New Owerri.