A human rights organisation, Guard Time Information Human Rights Activists Nationwide, has called for stronger collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, declaring that peaceful engagement and professional policing remain critical to national stability and development.
The group said Nigerians must support security agencies in promoting peace, justice and the protection of lives and property, stressing that the Police remain the nation’s foremost security institution.
Speaking on behalf of the organisation, Comrade Bibi Oduku advocated closer cooperation between human rights groups and the office of the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General and Commissioners of Police nationwide.
According to him, stronger collaboration would enhance peace-building initiatives, non-violence orientation programmes and professional conduct among officers in their dealings with citizens.
He stated that continuous education on anger management, lawful engagement and respect for human rights would deepen public trust in the Police while reducing unnecessary violence and conflict.
“As human rights activists and patriotic Nigerians, we believe in dialogue, diplomacy and lawful conflict resolution mechanisms that will foster mutual understanding between citizens and law enforcement agencies without resulting in violence or bloodshed,” he said.
The organisation also disclosed that it had strengthened ties with the Police Community Relations Committee following discussions with its National Chairman, Alhaji Magaji Ibrahim Olaniyan.
Oduku explained that the partnership is aimed at promoting cooperation among human rights activists, journalists, security agencies and citizens to encourage peace, civic responsibility and mutual understanding.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of IGP Disu, describing him as a disciplined and committed officer dedicated to professionalism, justice, fairness and reforms within the Police Force.
Also speaking, Comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo, popularly known as Mr. FIGO and serving as National Patron of the organisation in Edo State, commended the operational improvements recorded by the Police since the appointment of the new IGP.
He noted that intelligence-driven policing and peaceful engagement between officers and members of the public would significantly boost public safety and national development.
The group further announced plans for its state coordinators to officially engage Commissioners of Police across the country in organising peace-building and non-violence orientation programmes in police divisions and units nationwide.
According to the organisation, legal practitioners and journalists would actively participate in the programmes to promote accountability, legal awareness and responsible reportage.
Oduku also urged media organisations and practitioners to embrace balanced and factual reporting capable of reducing tensions and preventing the escalation of sensitive security issues.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and avoid jungle justice, assuring that any police officer found guilty of misconduct would be subjected to due disciplinary and legal procedures.
The organisation commended the Inspector General of Police, Assistant Inspectors General, Commissioners of Police, Divisional Police Officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force for their sacrifices in combating criminal activities across the country.
Special recognition was also given to CP Ikioye Orutugu and the Anambra State Police Command for recent operations against criminal hideouts, including the recovery of arms and renewed efforts to strengthen security in the State.
