House of Representatives Calls For Implementation Of Community Policing 

The Nigeria House of Representatives has urged the Inspector General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun to fully implement community policing as outlined in section 15 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

The call was sequel to the adoption of Matter of Urgent Public Importance by Asama Ago at plenary.

He recalled that the House of Representatives had passed several resolutions on attacks by assailant in communities across Nigeria.

He said that in spite of the numerous resolution arising from motions, communities still continue to be victims of heinous attacks.

According to him, all efforts of the security agencies seems inadequate because of the overwhelming nature of the situation.

The lawmaker said that the atrocious killings have become incessant in several communities across the federation with recent attacks in Nkienzha community of Bassa LGA, Plateau State

“Aware that the Police Act, 2020 provides for establishment of Community Policing as stipulated explicitly in Section 113, 114, 116 and 117 of the Act.

“113.-(1) says for the effective and efficient policing of communities in a state or Federal Capital Territory, the Commissioner of Police of a State shall establish Community Policing Committee which shall consist of representatives of the Police Force and the local community in the state.

“It says a Commissioner of Police of a state shall establish Community SubPolicing Committee at all Divisional Police Headquarters in the state or Federal Capital Territory.

“Subject to section 116 (1) (b) of this Act, the Commissioner of Police and members designated by him from time to time for the purpose, shall be members of the Policing Committees and Sub-Policing Committees established at various police formations.

“114.-(1)  says a Commissioner of Police of a state or Federal Capital Territory shall, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders in the community, establish Divisional Community Policing Committee in all Police Divisions within the state,” he said.

The lawmaker also said that despite the commencement of the Police Act (2020), the aspect of community policing is yet to be fully implemented.

The house observed a minute silence in honor of innocent victims of horrendous attack across the country.

In his ruling, the Speaker of the house, Tajudeen Abbas mandated  the Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back to the house within four weeks.

Confidence Okwuchi