The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has reiterated that policing is a shared responsibility between the Police and the public.
CP Orutugu spoke at a roundtable discussion themed: “The Nigerian Police and the Challenges of Policing at the Sub-National Level: Is State Police a Viable Option?”
The event took place at the IPBS Boardroom, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, on Thursday.
The Commissioner was represented at the event by SP Ikenga Tochukwu, the Police Public Relations Officer for Anambra State Command.
The roundtable was organized by the Institute for Peace, Security and Development Studies in collaboration with the Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP).
Participants included dignitaries, security experts, academics, civil society representatives, and members of the media.
Notable attendees included Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Chiobi, Rtd, Special Adviser on Security to the Governor of Anambra State.
Also present were HRH Igwe P.O. Omachonu and Prof Amaka Joe-Iguh, who contributed to the discussions.
CP Orutugu emphasized that effective policing requires trust and cooperation between the Police and the community.
He said residents must show greater concern and willingness to collaborate with the Police to improve security service delivery.
“Only through unity of purpose can Anambra achieve sustainable peace and safety,” the Commissioner stated.
The discussions examined the challenges of policing at the sub-national level and explored the possibility of establishing a state police system.
CP Orutugu highlighted the importance of community engagement and active citizen participation in maintaining law and order.
The Anambra State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Community-Police partnerships and the state’s overall security architecture.
SP Ikenga Tochukwu, speaking on behalf of the Commissioner, noted that the Police would continue to work with residents to enhance public safety and security.
