Residents of Maiduguri have applauded the community policing policy, saying it would significantly address the insecurity challenges facing the Northeast region.
According to some of the residents, the initiative will complement the efforts of the regular police and other paramilitary security outfits in ensuring better security especially at the grassroots.
Kanem Trust reports that Mr Mohammed Adamu, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), recently directed state police commissioners to recruit constables for the proposed community policing.
The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge Zone 15, comprising Yobe and Borno, Mr. Lawan Ado, launched the community policing initiative in Maiduguri.
A resident, Aliyu Gana, said it was one of the strategies put in place by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to address the various security challenges in the country.
Aliyu said Nigeria had reached a crossroad owing to security challenges, stressing that concrete measures should be put in place to address the problem.
“We are in very challenging times in our history as a nation, in which we are faced every day with mindless killings, kidnapping and all forms of insecurity. The idea to embark on community policing is a very good one as it will bring adequate security to the grassroots.
“But, my concern is that I have just read that it will be voluntary, which means that personnel involved in the scheme will not be earning money; their services will be free of charge.
“They will have to look at the arrangement critically because if you engage somebody to do a particular job, the person has to be motivated to do it effectively,”Aliyu said.
Also, Abubakar Kareto lauded the initiative but called on government to put proper modalities in place before implementing the programme.
“Community policing is integral in any community, especially in the Northeast where there are serious challenges with the war against Boko Haram.
“The Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, the armed forces and community leaders at all levels must face the war against Boko Haram as part of their sacred mandates that they must halt the incessant cases of attacks on the people.
“Boko Haram fighters are largely Nigerians and so community policing is vital to public safety by providing intelligence necessary for staying ahead of the Boko Haram’s guerilla tactics and scorched earth strategy.” Abubakar said.
