By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Miller Gajere Dantawaye has advocated adoption of Community Policing approach as the best option to achieve crime control and to achieve Police mission in the society.
The CP who disclosed this at a strategic engagement with critical stakeholders as part of activities marking the 2025 Customers Service Week, at the Command’s headquarters in Lokoja.
The forum also offered the Police command an opportunity to reflect on its successes, celebrate accomplishments, and re-evaluate its performance to enable it deliver the best possible service to the people of Kogi state.
Dantawaye said main objective of the engagement was to advance the mission of the Police Force which includes “maintaining law and order, preventing, detecting, investigating crimes, protecting lives and property, and upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens.”
He asserted that Community Policing approach was most viable as it involves working directly with community members and relevant stakeholders with enhanced intelligence gathering for effective crime prevention, detection and control.
The Commissioner however, urged citizens to always report Police personnel misconduct through appropriate channels rather than resort to social media in case of possible misdemeanor of operatives.
He asserted that Community Policing approach was most viable as it involves working directly with community members and relevant stakeholders with enhanced intelligence gathering for effective crime prevention, detection and control.
In the same vein, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 8, Lokoja, AIG Abubakar Zubairu, commended the public for their support and cooperation with the Command urging them to see themselves as police officers in plain clothes.
He stressed that the public has a vital role to play in peace building within their communities adding that community policing provides the public with opportunities to actively participate in policing activities in their areas.
AIG Zubairu urged members of the public to consistently provide feedback on police performance, adding that without such feedback, the Force cannot properly assess or improve on its services.
Speaking on behalf of traditional Rulers, HRH Abdullahi Idris the Chief of Jimgbe commended the Police for the level of crime prevention and control services being rendered in the society especially in Jimgbe community.
Also speaking Chairman of Hoteliers Association, Hon. Ocheni Matthew, MD/CEO of Hotel Pacific, called for improved collaboration between the Police and various stakeholders to make the state safe for business activities to thrive.
On behalf of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Dr Achimugu Emmanuel commended the crime prevention, detection and control efforts of the Police in the State and assured of the PCRC commitment to continued partnership for improved service delivery.
Representatives of the traditional institution, community leaders, Zonal and State PCRC executives, members of NURTW, NARTO, RTEAN, Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria (TOAN), Okada Union, Student Unions, GSM Association, NYCN, Hoteliers’ Union, traders, and youth leaders all spoke at the occasion.
