By Audu Abba Kurama, Maiduguri
In an effort to enhance security in the state, the Zone 15 police command and Bormo state Police Command have organized a critical security stakeholders meeting to discuss emerging security challenges and proffer practical solutions l to reduced crime in the state
The meeting attracted participants from police, Ordinance unit, Nigerian Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW, Road Transport Employee Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Land Speculator Association, Student Unions, Women and Youths Groups among others.
Addressing the stakeholders, AIG Zone 15, AIG KeneChukwu Onwuemele said ” The hosting of this forum today underscores the pertinent need to deepen engagement with you, our vital partners, in a state that has shown remarkable resilience amid prolonged security challenges. The commitment shown by your presence here today is as commendable, as it is crucial to the peace, stability, and long-term development of Borno State. Thank you for coming.”.
” It is with a deep sense of duty and appreciation that I welcome you to this Stakeholders’ Forum on Security Matters in Borno State. This forum is convened by the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 15 Headquarters, Maiduguri, in line with the strategic vision of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, to achieve a 40% reduction in crime in 2025, across the Thirty-Six (36) States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Part of the Zone’s effort towards that goal is to foster stronger relationships with critical stakeholders in Borno State. We consider this a key approach to realizing the vision.”, the AIG said.
AIG Onwuemele said ” This forum is not just another meeting. It provides a platform for: Sharing field experiences in security management within the state, Discussing the distinct challenges faced by various stakeholders, Figuring out immediate and long-term needs for enhancing security, and Strengthening collaboration and trust between communities and the police.”.
“We are here to listen, to learn, and to forge sustainable partnerships that will contribute to enhancing the security of Borno State,” he added.
The AIG said ” Each of you has a vital role to play in this effort:, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF): Your grassroots intelligence and vigilance are essential to our community policing framework., Road Transport Unions: Your insight into passenger and vehicle movement are crucial for early detection of suspicious activities., GSM Sellers Associations: Your cooperation in dealing with issues about stolen phones, laptops and device tracking continues to aid investigations significantly., Hoteliers and Property Owners: Accurate documentation of guests and tenants is an essential tool in prevention of crime.”
“Women’s Organizations: Your influence within homes and communities is critical in countering radicalization and encouraging early reporting of suspicious behavior., Academic Staff Union, and Student Union Leaders: Our institutions of higher learning must remain centers of enlightenment, not recruitment grounds for criminal elements.
Security is everyone’s responsibility. It begins with vigilance—whether in our homes, places of business, employment, schools, or places of worship and transit.” The AIG , further explained.
He said “As the supervising police formation over sighting Borno and Yobe States, the Zone is committed to Ensuring the establishment of effective communication channels for feedback and emergency management, Organizing regular security briefings and public awareness programs, Ensuring improved rapid response capabilities for incident management, Promoting the establishment, and enhancement of existing community-based early warning systems in parks, markets, schools, and neighborhoods.”.
“We believe that through structured cooperation, trust-building, and shared accountability, Borno can become a good example in post-conflict security and community resilience”, he added.
He further Said during the engagement, they going interact and encourage the participants encourage every to Share concrete security experiences and challenges, Propose practical solutions for improving our partnerships, Suggest ways the police can better support your roles.and Commit to ongoing collaboration beyond today’s forum, stressing that their honest and active engagement are crucial to the success of this initiative..
He further stressed that ” let us seize this moment to strengthen bonds of trust and cooperation. Let us make Borno safer, not just for ourselves, but for the generations yet to come. Thank you for your partnership and unwavering commitment to securing Borno State”.
In his welcome address, the commissioner of Police, Bormo.state Command, CP Lawal Yusufu said ” this is first critical security stakeholders meeting is to engage stakeholders from NURTW, RTEAN, CJTF, ASUU, Hoteliers, Student Unions, youths and Women groups among others .
” The NURTW and RTEAN are critical because crime and criminality are transmit, Hoteliers are also important stakeholders, as crime are sometimes plan and hatch in Hotels. The CJTF are also critical in fighting the crime, especially during the insurgency “, CP Yusufu said.
He said ” Today’s gathering is not without a reason, Bormo have been witnessing a relative peace, but in these days we have been witnessing an emerging threats such as gangstarism, kidnaping, banditry, kidnaping among other crimes. We are here to interact and discuss these challenges and proffer practical solutions.”
