By Chisom Okpala
Stakeholders in Anambra State have called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders, and civil society organizations to address security challenges in the state.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ security dialogue themed “Together for a Safer Anambra” held at the Prof. Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre, Awka on June 23.
Speaking at the event, the Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of the South-East, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, emphasized the need to strengthen trust, collaboration, and community participation in combating insecurity. He noted that the engagement focused on listening, collaboration, crime prevention, and trust-building, stressing that early warning systems, vigilance, and timely information sharing are critical to effective policing.
The DIG described trust as the foundation of successful policing and called for continued support in intelligence sharing, dispute resolution, youth engagement, victim support, and lawful collaboration with vigilante groups. He also assured stakeholders of improved intelligence gathering, increased rural policing, and sustained engagement with community leaders.
In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council and Traditional Ruler of Uke, Igwe Charles Agbala, called for improved police logistics, including modern equipment, operational vehicles, adequate ammunition, and faster response to security incidents.
Representing the Council Chairman, Igwe Chidubem Iweka, he commended the Nigeria Police Force and Anambra State Police Command for their efforts in tackling insecurity.
Traditional rulers also praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s security initiatives, including AGUNECHEMBA, Operation UDOGA-CHI, and the crackdown on fake native doctors, which they said have helped reduce crime. They further advocated the establishment of state police to complement existing security agencies.
Other stakeholders called for improved funding and training for security outfits, proactive policing, proper identification of criminal elements, and a justice system free from undue influence.
The event attracted heads of security agencies, members of the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Council, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, vigilante groups, the Nigeria Union of Journalists, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Chisom Okpala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
