The Police Service Commission (PSC) and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) have intensified efforts to address human rights violations and strengthen community policing through a series of stakeholder engagements held in Asaba, Delta State.

The interactive sessions, organised by the Delta State Police Command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Yemi Oyeniyi, brought together police officers, community leaders, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), and other stakeholders to discuss policing reforms, citizens’ rights, and improved police-community relations.

During the sessions, the PSC’s consultant on community policing and technical adviser on human rights violations and allied infractions, Olayinka Balogun, emphasised the importance of professionalism, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights in policing operations.

Balogun, who served as the resource person at the engagements, educated participants on police constitutional powers, citizens’ rights during police interventions, and the need to build stronger trust and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and communities.

Addressing police officers, the retired commissioner of police cautioned against unlawful police involvement in civil matters, particularly land disputes, stressing the need for officers to operate strictly within their constitutional and statutory mandates.

He noted that adherence to due process and respect for human rights are critical to restoring public confidence in policing institutions across the country.

The engagements also provided officers with the opportunity to seek clarification on operational challenges and legal concerns encountered in the line of duty.

Participants raised questions on law enforcement procedures, human rights obligations, and the limits of police powers, while detailed explanations and professional guidance were provided during the discussions.

Commissioner of Police Oyeniyi urged personnel of the command to apply the lessons from the programme and uphold lawful, professional, and community-oriented policing.

He stated that civility, accountability, ethical conduct, and respect for human rights are essential components of modern policing and crucial to sustaining public trust in the police.

In a separate session involving community leaders, PCRC members, and other stakeholders, discussions centred on community policing, citizens’ responsibilities, police-community collaboration, and the collective role of residents in crime prevention and public safety.

Stakeholders also raised concerns over security and policing challenges affecting their communities during the interactive session.