By Chukwudi Osuji
The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, CP Audu Garba Bosso has called for a strong partnership between the police and community members in the state, stressing that such would help ensure effective crime prevention and fighting.
He said the partnership would involve the public providing the police with useful information to act on and assisting the security personnel in areas that would enhance their overall operations towards securing their respective communities and the state at large.
CP Bosso, represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, DCP Abdulkadir Hazmat made the call at a Stakeholders’ Security Summit hosted by the newly posted Divisional Police Officer, CSP Safiyanu Usman Gwarzo, held New Owerri division on Tuesday.
He said, "I urge you all to work closely with the DPO and his officers. Provide timely and credible information, support lawful operations and promote unity within your respective domains. Together, we can proactively prevent crime and build a safer environment for residents and businesses alike."
In their remarks, HRM, Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro, who represented the Eze Imo, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke, Engr. Ndubuisi Chidomere, CEO Pamtech company, Mr. Fidelis Oguh, CEO Gloran Heotel, Imo NUJ chairman, Comr. Ifeanyi Nwanguma, represented by the Assistant Secretary of the union, Comr. Chigozie Anosike among other stakeholders in the area, lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and crucial to the security and development of New Owerri.
They assured the police of the continued support, while calling for installation of CCTV devices at strategic locations within the area, enhancement of rapid/emergency response unit, establishment of security committee, among the security strategies to guarantee adequate security and safety of the community members.
Also the Area Commander, Owerri Urban; ACP Michael Abattam, the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department, ACP in charge of IGP X-Squad; Linus Nwaiwu and the recently promoted Chief Principal Security Officer to the Governor, ACP Shaba Gboyako Adamu, who spoke at the summit, all stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, and mutual trust as essential pillars for a safer Imo State.
Earlier in his address, CSP Gwarzo said the summit was designed to provide a platform for the stakeholders and participants to share concerns and propose practical solutions that will improve the peace and security of New Owerri for sustained economic growth.
He pledged his commitment, in line with the directives of CP Bosso, to ensure visible and effective policing, uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights; guarantee enhanced security and public oriented operations by his officers and men.
The DPO also used the opportunity to solicit continued support and cooperation from the residents of the division, stressing that effective and proactive policing hinge on collective collaboration of all stakeholders and public members.
The summit had in attendance community leaders, government officials, business owners, youth leaders, PCRC Chairman, representatives of Civil Society Organizations, sister security agencies and residents of New Owerri, Imo State.
