The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has stressed that effective security in Nigeria can only be achieved through stronger collaboration between the police and local communities.

Disu, represented by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, stated this on Thursday during the 42nd anniversary celebration of the Police Community Relations Committee in Abuja.

Speaking on the theme, “42 Years of PCRC: A Legacy of Service, A Future of Safe Communities,” the police chief described the PCRC as one of the major pillars of community-oriented policing in Nigeria.

“Security is not the responsibility of the police alone. It is a shared duty, one that thrives when citizens and law enforcement work hand in hand,” he said.

According to him, the PCRC has continued to strengthen trust between the police and citizens through advocacy, collaboration, and support during crises.

He added that the future of policing in Nigeria would depend on deeper collaboration, intelligence-driven operations, technology, and active community participation.

“The future we envision, a future of safe, resilient, and peaceful communities, will require renewed commitment to community engagement, stronger involvement, enhanced public trust and continuous dialogue between the police and the people we serve,” he stated.

Disu also urged the PCRC to adopt modern ideas, technologies, and partnerships that align with evolving security realities.

Earlier, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Mogaji Olaniyan, commended the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force for supporting police-community relations across the country.

Olaniyan disclosed that the PCRC has expanded its activities beyond Nigeria to countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Qatar, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

He added that the organisation had supported police officers and their families through welfare packages, financial assistance, and recognition awards, noting that over 6,000 officers benefited from welfare interventions during the last Christmas and Ramadan celebrations.

Junior police officers from various commands were also honoured during the event for outstanding service to the nation.