The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Police Command, Audu Garba Bosso, has called for stronger collaboration between the police and community members, stressing that such partnership is essential for effective crime prevention and control in the state.

He said the partnership would involve members of the public providing the police with useful and timely information, as well as supporting security personnel in ways that would enhance their operations toward securing their communities and the state at large.

Bosso, who was represented by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations, Abdulkadir Hazmat, made the call during a Stakeholders’ Security Summit hosted by the newly posted Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Safiyanu Usman Gwarzo, at the New Owerri Division on Tuesday.

He urged residents and stakeholders to work closely with the police in maintaining security.

“I urge you all to work closely with the DPO and his officers. Provide timely and credible information, support lawful operations and promote unity within your respective domains. Together, we can proactively prevent crime and build a safer environment for residents and businesses alike,” he said.

In their remarks, traditional and community leaders, including HRM Eze Dr. Lucky Okoro, who represented the Eze Imo, Eze Dr. E.C. Okeke; Engr. Ndubuisi Chidomere, CEO of Pamtech Company; Mr. Fidelis Oguh, CEO of Gloran Hotel; and the Chairman of the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ifeanyi Nwanguma, represented by the Assistant Secretary of the union, Comrade Chigozie Anosike, among other stakeholders, lauded the initiative.

They described the summit as timely and crucial to the security and development of the New Owerri area.
The stakeholders assured the police of their continued support while calling for the installation of CCTV cameras at strategic locations, strengthening of rapid emergency response units, and the establishment of a community security committee as part of strategies to enhance safety in the area.

Also speaking at the summit were the Area Commander, Owerri Urban, ACP Michael Abattam; the Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Intelligence Department; the ACP in charge of the IGP X-Squad, Linus Nwaiwu; and the recently promoted Chief Principal Security Officer to the Governor, ACP Shaba Gboyako Adamu.

They all emphasised the importance of improved collaboration, intelligence-driven policing and mutual trust as key pillars for a safer Imo State.

Earlier in his address, the DPO, CSP Gwarzo, said the summit was organised to provide a platform for stakeholders to share concerns and propose practical solutions aimed at improving peace and security in New Owerri to support sustained economic growth.

He pledged his commitment, in line with the directives of the Commissioner of Police, to ensure visible and effective policing, uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights, and promote people-oriented policing.

Gwarzo also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police, noting that effective and proactive policing depends largely on the cooperation of all stakeholders and members of the public.

The summit was attended by community leaders, government officials, business owners, youth leaders, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) chairman, representatives of civil society organisations, other security agencies, and residents of New Owerri, Imo State.