Nigerian Police Push For Joint Efforts To Curb Crime, Violence 

 The Nigerian Police Force has called for a collaborative effort in fighting crimes in communities so as to ensure that everyone lives, works and thrives without fear of crime, violence or insecurity. 

ACP Tanaruno Folashade, the Agbara Area Commander in Ogun State made the call while speaking at the Mega Security seminar and patrons investiture of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Ambassador State Unit in Igbesa with the theme: ‘Zero Tolerance for crimes, criminalities & Insecurities in our communities’. 

She said that the Police, alongside other security agencies and community partners, is dedicated to enforcing a zero-tolerance policy towards crimes, criminal activities, and insecurities in the neighborhood . 

She said that the proliferation of crimes, criminalities, and insecurities in our communities poses a significant threat to the safety, well-being, and quality of life of citizens. 

According to her, crime is a complex issue with economic, political, and social aspects and that it encompasses offences such as theft, domestic violence, rape, defilement, armed robbery, murder, kidnapping, banditry, terrorism, cybercrime, financial fraud, drug trafficking, human trafficking, corruption among others which can have devastating effects on individuals, families, and communities. 

She noted that insecurities, such as fear of crime and social unrest, can also undermine community cohesion and trust. 

“These criminal acts pose serious threats to national stability, investor confidence, and the well-being of citizens.” 

She called on all stakeholders, security agencies, community leaders, businesses, and citizens to adopt a zero-tolerance stance on crime, stressing that a zero-tolerance policy sends a strong message that crimes will not be tolerated, thereby deterring potential offenders. 

While speaking on the causes of crimes and insecurities, Tanaruno pointed out that a lack of economic opportunities often drives individuals toward criminal behavior, also when criminals evade justice, it encourages them to persist in their activities. 

Speaking further she said despite the ongoing efforts to reduce crime, there are still several challenges in achieving zero tolerance for crime, such according to her include: limited manpower where she said that the ratio of police officers to citizens in Nigeria falls short of international standards, that there is a need for more officers to be recruited. 

Also, Dr. Samson Popoola, the PCRC State Chairman in his lecture said a zero tolerance approach to crime, criminality, and insecurity in communities typically emphasises strict enforcement of laws and immediate consequences for criminal activities. 

Popoola, who was represented at the event by Comrade Sanmi Ogundele said that a zero tolerance approach to crime can include harsh penalties for criminal behaviour, as well as a focus on law enforcement presence and proactive strategies for preventing crime. 

“While this approach might reduce crime in the short term, it is important to balance it with social support programs, rehabilitation efforts, and community engagement to address root causes of crime such as poverty, lack of education, and social inequality. 

“Strong community partnerships with law enforcement can help foster trust and reduce the underlying factors that contribute to criminal behaviour.” 

He said that it is essential to invest in education and after-school programs to help steer young people away from crime that communities can provide mentorship, skill development, and support systems to break cycles of poverty and criminal behaviour before they even start. 

“A zero-tolerance policy can work better when paired with community policing, which focuses on building relationships between law enforcement and local residents,” he said. 

Popoola said that for those already involved in criminal activity, offering rehabilitation programs, mental health support, and job training can help break the cycle of crime. 

Dr. Adeyeye Felix, PCRC Ambassador state unit Coordinator, earlier in his welcome address said that the event is a testament to their unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can live, work and thrive without fear of crime, violence or insecurity. 

He said that the event was designed to equip everyone with the knowledge, skills and strategies necessary to create a crime free environment. 

Rahmat Oviesa, Grand Matron, PCRC Lusada while speaking said that PCRC as a body has been a support to the Nigerian police in all ways especially in Ogun state. 

“The police force is trying. I believe in them and I also know that anytime they set out to do something they achieve it,” she said. 

Oviesa said that there is need for a lot of awareness that a lot of people do not know the difference between the police and the PCRC, stressing that community members should understand that security is everybody’s business. 

She added that the community should collaborate and work with the PCRC and work also to support the Nigerian police. 

Are Fatai Temidayo, the General State Secretary, Amalgamated Commercial Tricycle and Motorcycle Owners, Repair and Riders Association of Nigerian (ACOMORAN), Ogun state commended the PCRC for organising the programme, stressing that it is an eye opener and a good way to educate the populace on security.