FIC Report (Imo State) – The Commissioner of Police, Audu Garba Bosso, has emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between the police and residents of Imo State to enhance crime prevention and maintain public safety across the state.
The Commissioner made the call during a Stakeholders’ Security Summit organised at the New Owerri Division by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Safiyanu Usman Gwarzo.
Represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Abdulkadir Hazmat, the police boss stressed that effective policing requires active support and cooperation from members of the public. He noted that timely and credible information from residents, alongside community support for lawful police operations, remains critical to preventing crime and ensuring a safer environment for citizens and businesses.
The summit brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, journalists, business owners and other stakeholders who commended the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary for strengthening security and promoting development in the New Owerri area.
Among those present were HRM Lucky Okoro representing the Eze Imo, E.C. Okeke; the Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ifeanyi Nwanguma, represented by the union’s Assistant Secretary, Chigozie Anosike, as well as business and community leaders.
Participants highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between security agencies and communities. They also proposed measures such as the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations, strengthening emergency response systems and establishing a community-based security committee to further improve safety in the area.
Also in attendance were senior police officers including the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, Michael Abattam, and other senior officers who reiterated the importance of intelligence-driven policing, mutual trust and sustained partnership with residents as key strategies for maintaining peace and security in the state.
Earlier in his remarks, CSP Gwarzo explained that the summit was organised to provide a platform for stakeholders to share security concerns and collectively develop practical solutions aimed at sustaining peace and supporting economic growth in the New Owerri area.
He assured residents of the police command’s commitment to visible and effective policing, respect for the rule of law and human rights, while urging continued cooperation from members of the public.
The event was attended by community leaders, representatives of civil society organisations, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), security agencies, youth leaders and residents of New Owerri.
Chika Anurunwa
PIPRO
5/3/2026
