Olayemi Esan
Abuja, July 17, 2025 – In a renewed drive to bolster public trust and enhance security at the grassroots level, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has directed its members nationwide to intensify engagement with local communities, particularly market traders, youth groups, and other stakeholders.
The directive is part of ongoing efforts by the PCRC to support the Nigeria Police Force in strengthening community policing strategies and improving collaboration between the police and the public.
According to PCRC National Chairman, Alhaji Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, who issued the directive at the PCRC National Executive Committee Meeting held on Thursday, July 17, 2025, in Abuja, the organisation emphasised the importance of proactive engagement, open dialogue, and trust-building measures to curb crime and enhance public safety.
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“Our members have been tasked with stepping up grassroots involvement by initiating meaningful conversations with community leaders, youth associations, religious groups, and traders' unions. This is essential to fostering mutual trust and intelligence-sharing between the police and citizens,” the statement read.
The committee noted that engaging directly with the public would help demystify police operations, address lingering concerns around policing conduct, and support early detection of security threats.
Local chapters of the PCRC have already begun convening town hall meetings and sensitisation campaigns in various communities across the country, focusing on crime prevention, neighbourhood watch, and the role of citizens in maintaining peace and order.
"State chapters have also been mandated to establish youth and women committees to boost grassroots cooperation in policing.
“These groups are essential in any community, and bringing them into the fold will make community policing more effective nationwide,” Olaniyan said.
The PCRC reiterated its commitment to ensuring community voices are heard and that policing remains people-centred and responsive to local needs.
This initiative comes amid increasing calls for improved security architecture and greater accountability in law enforcement nationwide.
