Bashir Makama, newly posted Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone XI has solicited for support and cooperation of communities in the zone to fight crimes and enhance security in the area.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Zone XI command comprises of Oyo, Ondo and Osun States.
Makama made the call on Monday during a familiarisation tour to Oyo State.
He noted that crime in the society was intensive which the police could not fight successfully without the assistance of the communities.
Makama said: “Community policing is meant to be a collective responsibility.
“Securing life and property is everybody’s business and the essence of community policing is to identify those security challenges together and proffer solution.
“If we have agreed that community policing has come to stay then we need to share information with the police to curb crime.
“I urge the officers to ensure that whatever they do must be within the ambit of the law’’.
The AIG advised personnel to be professional in their dealing with members of the communities, stressing that the right of citizens must be respected.
Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Shina Olukolu, said the command was under staff, adding that the current strength of personnel was not enough to ensure effective fight against crimes.
“Despite the inadequate manpower the command is blessed with a crop of dedicated and highly resourceful and professional officers,’’ Olukolu said.
He said the command was encouraging the people to assist the police with information to enable it to curb crimes in the state.
Olukolu further said the command conducted a series of operations to dislodge criminal gangs from their hideouts, adding that the support of both the state government and the people had made the operations successful. (NAN)
