Human Rights activists, Lawyers, Police and other stakeholders met in Kaduna, under the umbrella of CLEEN Foundation to strengthen their efforts by collaborating in combating the security challenges facing citizens in the State.

The stakeholders interfaced at a two-day programme, during “Citizens Engagement On Police-Community Dialogue” on the prevailing security challenges in the State, while pledging to work together for peace and the security of the State.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr.Terngu Gwar, in his address said that “this dialogue is both timely and necessary”, saying that ” Kaduna State, like many parts of our country, continues to grapple with complex security challenges—ranging from banditry and kidnapping to communal tensions and urban crime”.

According to him, “these challenges test not only the capacity of law enforcement agencies but also the resilience, trust, and cooperation between citizens and security institutions”, pointing out that
“at the heart of effective policing is public trust.”

“Without trust, intelligence dries up. Without cooperation, prevention becomes difficult. And without accountability, legitimacy is weakened.
As the National Human Rights Commission, our mandate is clear: to promote, protect and enforce human rights. Security and human rights are not opposing goals; they are mutually reinforcing”, he explained .

Gwar said, “professional, accountable, and rights-respecting policing enhances community cooperation and strengthens security outcomes. This is where the Administration of Criminal Justice framework becomes critical. The Kaduna State ACJL provides clear standards for arrest, detention, bail, and trial processes. Proper implementation ensures that: Arrests are lawful and documented.”

He added, “suspects are not detained beyond constitutional limits.
Legal representation is accessible.
Vulnerable persons are protected.
Torture and ill-treatment are prohibited.
When these safeguards are respected, citizens gain confidence that the justice system works fairly for all.”

However, he further stated that “we must also acknowledge the operational realities faced by the police—resource constraints, personnel shortages, welfare concerns, and increasing sophistication of criminal networks. These are legitimate challenges that require policy attention and sustained investment.”

“Today’s engagement should therefore focus on three key outcomes:
First: Restoring Trust. Communities must see the police as partners, not adversaries. Regular town-hall engagements, community policing structures, and complaint redress mechanisms must be strengthened.
Second; Strengthening Accountability and Oversight”, Gwari stressed.

He continued: “internal discipline systems within the police, collaboration with oversight institutions like the National Human Rights Commission, and transparent handling of complaints are essential to rebuilding confidence.”

He noted further that “deepening Civic Responsibility and Security is a shared responsibility”, while adding that “citizens must provide credible information, avoid spreading misinformation, and reject mob justice or vigilantism, which often worsen insecurity and violate rights.”

“We must also ensure the inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups in security conversations. Sustainable peace requires inclusive participation”, he added.

Gwar insisted, “Kaduna State deserves a security architecture built on professionalism, transparency, and mutual respect, pointing out that “when citizens trust the police, and the police respect the rights of citizens, we create the foundation for lasting peace”.

Besides, the Kaduna State Commissioner of Police who was represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, Abdulkadri Yahaya highlighted various efforts of the Police to combat security challenges posed by terrorists and other criminals in the State.

He said that operating within limited resources in the Police has been able to bring crimes to the bearest minimum, saying that the issue of kidnapping and killings by bandits have been confronted headlong by security operatives in Kaduna.

According to Yahaya, the Kaduna Police command is also embarking on training and retraining of it’s personnel with the support of the Force Headquarters to ensure that the police meet the challenges posed by terrorists in the State.

He further pledged that the Command will continue to work with Journalists, rights activists and legal practitioner in ensuring that the rights of the citizenry are adequately protected.

The highlight of the police-community dialogue was the presentation of a document produced by the CLEEN Foundation Director of Programmes, Salaudeen Hashim, to ensure the protection and promotion of citizens’ rights, the effective performance of Police and other security agencies.

Meanwhile, in his opening address at the occasion, the Executive Director of of the Foundation, Peter Maduoma reminded participants at the two-day meeting that
their collaboration “is a testament to our collective realisation that security is not a solo performance by the police, but a symphony co-produced by the police and the people.”

He said, “We are meeting at a critical juncture in our nation’s internal security history. While the Police Act 2020 provided a legislative roadmap for reform, the lived reality in states like Kaduna, remains complex. From the challenges of banditry and communal clashes to the fragility of farmer-herder relations, the pressure on our policing institutions has never been greater.”

However, he added, “we must be candid; effective policing cannot thrive in an environment of mistrust. When communication is weak and feedback mechanisms are non-existent, the policed feel isolated and the police feel unsupported. This engagement is designed to bridge that gorge”.