The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has directed commissioners of police in Nigeria to convene urgent town hall meetings in their respective states, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The meeting, the first of its kind to be organised by the Nigeria police, is part of strategic initiative aimed at adopting community policing to address internal security challenges in the country, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, said in a statement on Monday.
Ms. Kolawole, quoted Mr. Arase as saying that the town hall meetings “is to address specifically the misinformation, anxiety and animosity being generated in relation to the current security challenges associated with local communities and herdsmen.”
The meetings, according to Ms. Kolawole, will hold in three tiers in each state – the state command, area command, and at the divisional levels.
Ms. Kolawole said the proposed meetings would provide platforms for community dialogue, and enhance the need for peaceful coexistence and sensitivity of each community’s value, space and interest.
She said traditional rulers, community leaders, public officials, religious leaders, youth groups, vigilante groups, women and market associations, professional bodies, media, are among those expected to participate in the meetings.
She said Mr. Arase directed all assistant inspectors-general in charge of zonal commands to oversee the process of convening the town hall meetings in their zones, and ensure compliance.
Mr. Arase urged Nigerians to put their differences aside and continue to support the police in the face of current security challenges confronting the country.
The police remained committed to the safety and security of all Nigerians in any part of the country, he said.