By Abubakar Rabilu, Gombe
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Gombe State has praised the ongoing reforms introduced by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), describing them as strategic measures aimed at strengthening community policing, enhancing public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force, and improving security nationwide.
The State Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Garba Muhammad Ubale, made the remarks during a community engagement programme attended by the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the North-East, Zachariah Fera Achinyan, alongside security stakeholders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community representatives in Gombe.
Ubale said the committee was encouraged by the commitment of the current police leadership to fostering stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
“We are delighted to welcome the DIG to Gombe State on behalf of the Police Community Relations Committee.
“This engagement demonstrates the police leadership’s dedication to working closely with communities to promote peace, security, and mutual trust,” he said.
According to him, Gombe State has continued to record significant progress in community-police relations through sustained cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth groups, and other critical stakeholders.
He stressed that security remains a collective responsibility and called on residents to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely, credible, and actionable information that could help prevent and combat crime.
The PCRC chairman also commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state, noting that the administration’s support for security agencies has contributed significantly to the prevailing stability in Gombe.
Ubale congratulated Governor Inuwa Yahaya on his recent recognition for promoting security and creating a safe environment for residents, describing the award as a reflection of the governor’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property.
He further lauded the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, for his contributions to community development, good governance, and enhanced security across the country.
The PCRC chairman also commended the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Usman Ahmed Chosu, for promoting community-based policing initiatives and strengthening public confidence in the police through regular engagement with residents and stakeholders.
Ubale reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to supporting programmes and policies aimed at enhancing security, promoting peaceful coexistence, and building stronger partnerships between the police and the communities they serve.
Speaking earlier, DIG Zachariah Fera Achinyan underscored the importance of closer collaboration between the police and the public, stressing that effective policing can only be achieved through active community participation.
He urged residents to provide useful and reliable information to security agencies, noting that intelligence gathered from members of the public remains one of the most effective tools in modern policing.
The DIG explained that his visit to Gombe was part of efforts to deepen community engagement, assess policing strategies across the North-East, and identify ways to improve security and public safety in the region.
Stakeholders at the meeting reiterated their commitment to supporting security agencies and called for sustained dialogue and regular engagement between the police and communities to address emerging security challenges and consolidate peace across the North-East.