BY NEWS EDITOR, MAY 12, 2025 | 02:07 PM
The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 15 Headquarters, Maiduguri, AIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has emphasized the need for collective effort in tackling security challenges in Borno State.
He made this call during a stakeholders' forum on security matters held on Monday in Maiduguri, which brought together critical community-based security stakeholders.
The forum aimed to foster stronger relationships between the police and stakeholders in Borno State, with a view to realizing the Inspector General of Police's vision of reducing crime by 40% in 2025.
In his remarks, AIG Onwuemelie noted that the commitment shown by stakeholders was commendable and crucial to the peace, stability, and long-term development of Borno State.
He identified lingering security threats in the state, including isolated insurgent activities, banditry, kidnapping, and cult-related violence, and emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to overcome these challenges.
The AIG highlighted the vital roles that various stakeholders, including the Civilian Joint Task Force, Road Transport Unions, GSM Sellers Associations, hoteliers, and property owners, women’s organizations, academic staff union, and student union leaders, can play in enhancing security in the state.
According to him, the police zone is committed to ensuring effective communication channels, regular security briefings, improved rapid response capabilities, and promoting community-based early warning systems.
He urged stakeholders to share concrete security experiences and challenges, propose practical solutions, and commit to ongoing collaboration beyond the forum.
The goal, he said, is not just to combat crime but to build a society where safety, dignity, and opportunity thrive.
He expressed optimism that through structured cooperation, trust-building, and shared accountability, Borno can become a model in post-conflict security and community resilience.