By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Reps advocate community policing, boosting security personnel deployment
The House of Representatives has urged the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to embrace community policing, in line with the provisions of the Nigeria Police Act 2020. The call came after a motion of urgent public importance was presented by Asama Ago, a member of the Labour Party from Plateau State.
Ago highlighted the importance of community and it’s policing in enhancing security at the grassroots level, citing specific sections of the Police Act which mandate the establishment of Community Policing Committees. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas mandated the House Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to liaise with the IG to ensure prompt implementation of community policing protocols.
In a related development, the House also called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and the IG to deploy additional personnel to address security challenges in the Fika/Fune Federal Constituency of Yobe State. This decision followed a motion raised by Mohammed Jajere, representing the constituency, who highlighted recent incidents of violence in the area.
Jajere expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, particularly the destruction of the Gurjaje settlement by suspected bandits, resulting in casualties and economic losses. Speaker Tajudeen Abbas mandated the Committees on Army and Legislative Compliance to oversee the deployment of additional security personnel to the affected area.