Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi has stated that no law prohibits the Nigerian Police Force from conducting investigations, arresting suspected criminals and general policing using African traditional methods, otherwise known as ?African science.?

He spoke on Wednesday at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 5th annual lecture series and convention held at Vienna International Hotel, Asaba, the Delta State capital.

ACP Adejobi, who was a guest lecturer at the event with the topic Security Challenges: Finding Local Implementable Solutions, said the theme of the lecture was apt, as embracing African ways of policing environments is not forbidden, even within the police force.

He emphasised the effectiveness of informal and spiritual methods used by some communities to protect citizens and property.

?Like I said when I was delivering my lecture, there are many ways?African ways?of policing our environment. Whatever ways you want to adopt, there is nothing wrong about it,? he stated.

He stressed the need for a balanced approach to security, encouraging communities to work with law enforcement agencies.

?We must be sensitive to our surroundings, security-conscious, and dominate our communities regarding security issues.

?We?ve lost our sense of community and security consciousness,? he noted, adding: ?We no longer notice or report strange faces or movements, and everyone minds their own business.

?Before, we used to take note of strangers that came to our communities, but now nobody cares anymore. We don?t bother. If you see strange faces or unusual movements, we don?t even do anything. Everybody now goes about their own business, and this is not helping us.

?We must be sensitive to things around us. We must be security conscious and dominate our communities as far as security issues are concerned, and make sure we protect lives and properties. So, I am not against having many ways of policing our environment,? he emphasised.

However, he condemned jungle justice, urging citizens to trust the security system and hand over suspects to law enforcement agencies. (Daily Sun)