The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has emphasised that successful policing requires mutual trust, cooperation and strong relationships between the police and the communities they serve.
The spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, DSP Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen on Thursday.
According to him, Disu made the remarks during an operational visit to the Imo State Police Command, accompanied by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9 Headquarters, Emeka Nwonyi, and other senior officers.
The IGP expressed appreciation to the Imo State Government, residents and other stakeholders for their continued support and partnership with the police.
Disu maintained that, “the Police are the community, and the community are the Police.”
He called on officers and personnel of the command to demonstrate professionalism, discipline and integrity in carrying out their responsibilities.
The IGP also urged them to treat members of the public with respect, remain dedicated to safeguarding lives and property, improve community engagement, strengthen intelligence-driven policing and respond swiftly and effectively to security challenges.
Speaking on election security, Disu highlighted the need for early and thorough planning, proper coordination and continuous engagement with relevant stakeholders.
He directed the command to sustain collaboration with all relevant partners to ensure effective and professional security arrangements during elections, in accordance with the objectives of CARSPO 2026.
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 9 Headquarters, Emeka Nwonyi, also shared professional and operational perspectives on policing and security within the zone, stressing the need for stronger coordination among commands and the continuation of effective security operations.
Earlier, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, briefed the IGP on the security situation across the state. He highlighted the command’s operational activities, crime-fighting initiatives, achievements, challenges and the resources required to further improve its effectiveness.
Goodwill messages were also delivered by key stakeholders, including the Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Imo State, Evangelist Bethran Uzodinma; Mr Chibuike, representing Citizens Advocacy for Peace is Possible in Nigeria; Eze M.C. Nwokoma; and the Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Owerri branch.
The stakeholders commended the police for their efforts in maintaining peace and security in the state and pledged to continue supporting policing and community-based security initiatives.
In a related development, the IGP paid a visit to the Chairman of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers and Eze Imo, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, where they discussed issues concerning peace, security and stronger community partnerships.
The meeting underscored the role of traditional institutions in preventing conflicts, mobilising communities and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The visit was attended by senior police officers, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, tactical commanders and other personnel of the Imo State Police Command, alongside representatives of traditional, religious, professional, community and civil society organisations, youth groups and the media.
