The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Nnanna Oji Ama, has urged leaders of the Arewa community across the state’s 21 Local government areas to strengthen their partnership with the police by providing timely and credible information that could help prevent crime and protect lives and property.

The commissioner made the call on Monday when he hosted leaders of the Arewa community at the Police Command headquarters in Amawbia, Awka, as part of efforts to deepen community policing and promote peaceful coexistence among residents.

Oji Ama said the engagement was designed to create an avenue for meaningful dialogue on security concerns and identify practical measures for improving safety across the state.

He stressed that effective policing could not be achieved by the police alone, noting that community leaders, residents and other stakeholders had important roles to play in maintaining peace and tackling emerging security challenges.

The commissioner particularly emphasised the importance of timely intelligence-sharing, community support and mutual trust, urging the Arewa leaders to encourage their members to cooperate with lawful security operations.

According to him, the police would continue to engage community leaders and other stakeholders as partners in its security initiatives.

He also called on communities to maintain peaceful relationships with one another and work closely with the police to address security concerns before they escalate into major crises.

Oji Ama assured the delegation that the Command would maintain an open-door policy and strengthen partnerships with all law-abiding communities, irrespective of ethnic, religious or social background.

He said inclusive engagement, mutual trust, timely intelligence and collective responsibility remained key pillars of his policing strategy, adding that the Command was committed to working with residents and stakeholders to build a safer and more peaceful Anambra State.

Responding, the chairman of the Arewa Community in Anambra State and National Deputy Director-General of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), Gidado Siddiki Sarki, expressed appreciation to the commissioner and the Command’s leadership for their accessibility to them.