Security Expert Advocates Community Policing As A Panacea To Insecurity

The Head of Harmonised Vigilante Group in Osun State, Alhaji Rilwan Hussein has canvassed for community policing as a way of curbing insecurity in Nigeria.

Hussein, while speaking on the recent abduction of a Methodist church clergy and two other church members by suspected Fulani herdsmen said societies must be more vigilant

He posited that a robust relationship between the people and the security agencies only could stem the tide of insecurity in Nigeria, arguing that the security of a nation is too important to be left in the hands of security agencies alone.

Hussein explained that adequate security measure starts from well planned intelligence gathering mechanism at the local level where accordingly to him” everybody is a security personnel ” .

The security expert noted that society would be well policed and secured when there is constant interactions between the people and the security agencies.

“Adequate security revolves around free flow of information, especially between the people and security agencies, it should be a norm amongst the people to say something when they see something.

“I have been an ardent advocate of community policing over time, the people must be orientated to be security conscious always, by alerting security agencies on any perceived move that tends towards undermining the security of their environment.

“Because security is too important to be left in hands of security agents alone, community policing must be a new thinking in our society “, he said.

Hussein however suggested deployment of more security personnel on Nigerian roads for thorough patrol, to make roads across the country more safe for travellers.

He lauded the prompt response of Police in Osun State, in collaboration with members of his vigilante group to rescue the kidnapped priest and his members, adding that efforts must be put in place to forestall such occurrence.

“Osun State has been very peaceful with joint efforts of the police and our vigilante group, that is why this development appeared so bizarre; however, all hands must be on deck to guide against such in the future. “