The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has urged youths to play an active role in tackling insecurity, stressing that effective policing requires public trust, accountability, and stronger collaboration between security agencies and citizens.
Ojo made this known in Ilorin on Thursday at the 2026 Police-Youth Interactive Forum, tagged “The Police and You,” organized by the State Police Command.
The forum, held under the theme “Understanding Our Rights: Building Trust, Strengthening Community Security, and Promoting Peaceful Elections,” provided a platform for young people to engage police authorities on security concerns, citizens’ rights, and policing practices.
The Police commissioner said the initiative was designed to deepen community participation in policing, in line with the people-oriented policing philosophy of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu, particularly his commitment to professionalism, accountability, and partnership with the public.
He explained that the physical engagement was prompted by concerns and expectations previously expressed by young people through radio programs, TikTok live discussions, and other social media platforms.
According to him, “The command considered it necessary to move beyond online conversations and create an opportunity for direct interaction, exchange of ideas, and practical solutions to challenges affecting police-community relations.”
“Today is a victory for your voices. You have asked questions, expressed concerns, offered suggestions, and challenged us to do better.”
“You asked for engagement, and today we are engaging. You asked to be heard, and today you have the floor,” Adekimi added.
He described listening to citizens and responding to their concerns as essential responsibilities of leadership, adding that the police must remain open to constructive criticism and suggestions.
The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining law and order, and confronting criminal activities across the state.
Stressing that Police operatives are making sacrifices to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, and other security threats, he assured residents that the command would continue to intensify efforts to rid communities of criminal elements.
Adekimi maintained that policing should not be assessed solely by arrests and crime prevention, but also by the level of public confidence, professionalism, and respect for citizens’ rights and dignity.
“We can be firm against crime and respectful towards law-abiding citizens. We can enforce the law decisively while remaining accountable to the people,” he stated.
He urged young people to regard themselves as important stakeholders in maintaining peace and security, noting that constructive engagement with security agencies would promote mutual trust and improve policing across the state.
Earlier, in a presentation, police legal practitioner Barr. Adekunle Iwalaye called for greater awareness of the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and the fundamental rights of citizens, describing such understanding as essential to building public confidence in law enforcement.
Speaking on the topic “Police Constitutional Duties and Citizens’ Rights,” Iwalaye said citizens, particularly young people, need to understand the limits of police powers, their constitutional rights, and their responsibilities toward maintaining law and order.
The presentation highlighted the importance of mutual respect between police officers and the public, stressing that effective policing can only thrive when citizens understand the law and security personnel operate within constitutional provisions.
Other presentations at the forum focused on lawful arrest and detention, stop-and-search procedures, channels for reporting police misconduct, and promoting accountability.
Representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were also scheduled to address participants on their respective areas of oversight.
The initiative forms part of the Kwara State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between law enforcement agencies and young people, strengthen accountability, and promote peaceful coexistence, particularly ahead of future electoral activities.
