He identified youth violence in Aba, armed robbery, domestic violence, and cult-related activities
By Emeka Eche
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Published on June 23, 2026
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2 min read
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the South East Zone, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, has called for stronger collaboration between the Police and communities in Abia State to address security challenges and enhance public safety.
The strategic stakeholders’ engagement, held on Monday, 22 June 2026, was organised in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to deepen community partnership and strengthen security cooperation across the South East.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, community leaders, security stakeholders, and representatives from various sectors to discuss practical measures for tackling crime and improving security in the state.
Addressing participants, DIG Onwuemelie said the engagement was designed to promote collaboration through four key objectives: listening to community concerns, fostering cooperation, preventing crime, and building trust between the Police and the public.
He identified youth violence in Aba, armed robbery, domestic violence, and cult-related activities—described as manifestations of organised youth gang violence—as some of the major security concerns confronting Abia State.
According to the DIG, addressing these challenges requires stronger early-warning mechanisms and active participation from local communities.
He urged stakeholders to support law enforcement agencies by providing timely and credible information, resolving disputes peacefully, mentoring young people, and collaborating lawfully with recognised vigilante groups.
“Security is a shared responsibility,” Onwuemelie said, stressing the importance of sustained cooperation between citizens and the Police in preventing crime and maintaining public order.
The DIG also reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to improving intelligence gathering, ensuring faster operational response, promoting professionalism among officers, and sustaining community-based policing initiatives.
He expressed confidence that stronger partnerships built on trust, collective vigilance, and regular engagement would contribute significantly to achieving lasting peace and security across Abia State.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, who disclosed the outcome of the meeting in a statement on Monday, said the engagement forms part of ongoing efforts by the Police leadership to strengthen community policing and enhance security cooperation in the state.
