AIG Nwonyi Seeks Traditional Rulers’ Support for Effective Policing in South-East
Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, Abia State, Dr Emeka Nwonyi
From Nabob Ogbonna, Abakaliki
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, Abia State, Dr Emeka Nwonyi, on Thursday said the Nigeria Police Force needs the effective cooperation of traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders in protecting and securing the lives and property of Nigerians.
AIG Nwonyi stated this in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, during a one-day working visit to the Ebonyi State Police Command headquarters in Abakaliki.
“The traditional institution occupies a unique position as a bridge between government, security agencies and the people towards advancing effective relationships and early-warning mechanisms.
“And these early-warning mechanisms cannot be replaced by any formal security structure.
“So, the Nigeria Police Force, therefore, recognises traditional rulers as essential partners in the collective responsibility of protecting lives and property in Ebonyi and the South-East.
“And my commitment is to strengthen the relationship between the police and traditional institutions within the zone. Security cannot be achieved by the police alone,” he stated.
Nwonyi said effective policing required robust partnerships, credible intelligence sharing, community engagement, mutual confidence and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He therefore urged traditional rulers and community leaders to encourage residents to provide timely and accurate information to the police.
The AIG, Zone 9, further noted that early intelligence remained one of the most potent tools for preventing crime and averting threats before they escalated.
“Early information can prevent crime, protect communities and save lives and property,” the AIG said.
The visiting AIG was received by the Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, CP Hope Okafor, alongside senior police officers, prominent traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
Among the traditional rulers present was HRH Eze Sunday Nkwegu Oketa, the Onuoha III of Nkaleke Echara Autonomous Community in Ebonyi Local Government Area, alongside other monarchs and community leaders.
The traditional rulers, in their separate remarks, commended the Nigeria Police Force and the state Commissioner of Police for her resilience in policing the state and maintaining peaceful coexistence.
