Improve on response to distress calls, Gaidam tells police

Minister of Police Affairs, Ibrahim Gaidam, has reiterated the need for police operatives to improve on response time to distress calls by Nigerians to enable citizens enjoy safer environment in the country.

He stated this during a briefing by the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, for the minister and Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to the minister, this can be achieved through the effective use of technology, inter-agency collaboration, mutual trust, and proper management of information.

“By working together, we can enhance national security and create a safer environment for all,” Gaidam stressed.

To enhance their response capabilities and ensure rapid and effective response to unforeseen incidents, Gaidam said a standby force of at least three units of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) should be established in each state command.

He said: “Community engagement and trust building should be emphasised as well. The police force must actively involve the communities they serve, fostering a sense of cooperation and partnership. By enhancing coordination between federal, state, and local law enforcement, we can create a unified front against crime and ensure a more effective response.”

To tackle diverse range of criminal activities, he made case for specialised units that could address each type of crime.

“This will require comprehensive training and capacity building programmes for our officers and investing in technology for surveillance and crime prevention will greatly enhance our capabilities in maintaining law and order.

“Effective intelligence gathering mechanisms are critical for proactive crime prevention. We must establish robust systems to gather and analyse intelligence, enabling us to stay one step ahead of criminals. Strengthening cooperation between the police and the judiciary is also essential to ensure the smooth administration of justice,” Gaidam stressed.