The new Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, Mr Polycarp Nwonyi has called for more collaboration between the traditional rulers and its personnel to effective security of lives and property across Ebonyi communities.
Nwonyi made the call on Thursday during his official one-day working visit to Abakaliki.
The AIG said the traditional rulers remained indispensable partners in the collective effort to maintain peace, social cohesion and community stability.
“The traditional institution remains an important bridge between government, security agencies and the people.
“Our communities possess knowledge, relationships and early-warning mechanisms that cannot be replaced by any formal security structure.
“The Nigeria Police Force, therefore, recognises traditional rulers as essential partners in the collective responsibility of protecting lives and property.
ALSO READ: Police rescue abducted Kwara traditional ruler
“As I commence my tour of duty, my commitment is to strengthen the relationship between the police and traditional institutions within the zone. Security cannot be achieved by the police alone,” the AIG stated.
He urged traditional rulers and community leaders to encourage residents to provide timely, accurate and actionable information to the police.
“We are prepared to work closely with the traditional institution in developing practical and sustainable approaches to community security, peaceful coexistence, crime prevention and development,” he said.
The Ebonyi Commissioner of Police, Mrs Hope Okafor, commended the AIG visit, stressing that the command had been working round the clock in securing the people and environment.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV