The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, has called for stronger community vigilance and collaboration to tackle crime in Owerri Municipal, stressing that security cannot be achieved by law enforcement alone.

Speaking at the Owerri Municipal Stakeholders Security Summit, held in Owerri, the commissioner said the summit was convened in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, to deepen community policing through active engagement with critical stakeholders.

With the theme, “Strengthening Community Vigilance for Proactive Crime Prevention,” the summit drew traditional rulers, community leaders, government representatives, youth groups, religious bodies, and members of the Police Community Relations Committee.

The commissioner described Owerri Municipal as the heartbeat of the state capital and a hub of commercial, social, and administrative activities. He listed Wetheral Road, Douglas Road, Control Post, Relief Market, Ikenegbu, Works Layout, and Aladinma as areas where sustained vigilance is crucial.

He noted that the command is actively addressing petty crimes, youth-related disturbances, and opportunistic criminal activities in areas such as Ama JK, Tetlow Road, School Road, and adjoining neighbourhoods. These realities, he said, demand both police presence and community ownership of security.

Community policing is not just a strategy, it is a partnership,” the commissioner stated. “It is about building trust, fostering cooperation, and ensuring that every member of the community becomes an active participant in safeguarding their environment.”

He described traditional rulers as pivotal to grassroots security, urging them to provide credible intelligence, mediate conflicts, and mobilise communities for peaceful coexistence. He also urged youth leaders, market associations, hoteliers, and residents, particularly in high-activity zones like Relief Market, Wetheral axis, and Control Post, to take ownership of their environment.

The commissioner assured stakeholders that the Imo State Police Command is committed to strengthening visibility policing, enhancing intelligence gathering, and improving response time across all critical areas within the municipality. He stressed the need for timely and actionable information from the public.

He commended the Imo State Government under Governor Hope Uzodimma for sustained commitment to security and logistical support, saying it has continued to enhance the operational capacity of the police and other security agencies in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Chairman, Hon. Chidiebere Emeribe, the Vice Chairman, Owerri Municipal Council, Lawrence Okoye, stated that the council is “working hard to train and retrain their vigilante” to enhance community security.

The summit featured an interactive session where stakeholders were encouraged to contribute insights to form practical security solutions for Owerri Municipal. (The Sun)