Reps Insist On Community Policing

The House of Representatives has insisted on the implementation of community policing as outlined in section 15 of the Nigeria Police Act 2020.

This follows the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by Hon Asama Ago (LP-Plateau) at plenary on Thursday.

This is coming amidst a landmark decision between President Bola Tinubu and governors of the 36 states to explore the establishment of state police forces to tackle the worsening security situation in the country.

Presenting his motion, the lawmaker recalled that the House of Representatives had passed several resolutions on incessant attacks in communities across Nigeria.

He said despite the numerous resolutions arising from motions, communities continue to be victims of heinous attacks.

According to him, all efforts of the security agencies seem 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

“…the Police Act, 2020 provides for the 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.

worried that despite the signing of the Police Act (2020), the aspect of community policing is yet to be fully implemented.

The House observed a minute silence in honour of innocent victims of horrendous attacks across the country.

The House further mandated its Committees on Police Affairs and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report back to the House within four weeks.