As security challenges ravage the country, Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State on Tuesday endorsed community policing as a backup for conventional policing, insisting it is the best option in crime control.

Nwifuru stated this in Abakaliki when the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 9, Umuahia, Suleman Yusuf, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House.

He praised the Nigerian police for their efforts in maintaining peace in the state and stressed the need for the establishment of community policing as a support system.

The Governor described community policing as the best option in crime prevention, explaining that understanding the terrain is essential before taking action, which community policing can achieve effectively.

Nwifuru attributed the peace and tranquillity in the state to the cooperation of the police, maintaining that the introduction of community policing would significantly address the security challenges facing the country.

He called on the Nigerian police to introduce a reward system to encourage officers and men of the Force to carry out their duties more effectively.

Nwifuru said, “Community policing is the best option in crime prevention because you must first of all know the terrain before you act, and community policing is a kind of information-giving.

“We must at this point encourage performing officers by rewarding those who put their lives on the line to protect the lives and property of citizens. I have personally encouraged officers who are performing creditably.”

Speaking earlier, the AIG informed the Governor that the purpose of his visit was to interface with the officers and men of the command to enhance their operations.

The AIG expressed appreciation to the state government for its support to the police in Ebonyi State, enabling them to perform excellently. He described the state as the most peaceful in the zone compared to others.

“I thank you for all you have been doing for the officers and men in the command, and my plea is that other stakeholders should join us in policing,” the AIG said.