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By Abubakar Umar
Kwara State Police Command has urged youths across the state to become active partners in the fight against insecurity by engaging constructively with security agencies and providing timely and credible information that could aid crime prevention.
The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Command, CP Adekimi Ojo, made the call at the 2026 Police-Youth Interactive Forum, tagged “The Police and You,” held at Peace Hotel Hall, Tanke, Ilorin.
The forum, which had the theme “Understanding Our Rights: Building Trust, Strengthening Community Security and Promoting Peaceful Elections,” was organised to strengthen police-community relations and promote mutual trust between security agencies and young people.
CP Ojo explained that the initiative was in line with the people-oriented policing philosophy of the Inspector-General of Police, providing a platform for youths to express their concerns, share experiences and contribute meaningfully to addressing security challenges.
He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and tackling criminal activities, including kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism and other forms of crime.
The police commissioner, however, stressed that effective policing must be built on professionalism, accountability and respect for the fundamental rights of citizens, noting that public cooperation remains essential to achieving sustainable security.
In a presentation, a legal practitioner, Barrister Adekunle Iwalaye, examined the constitutional responsibilities of the Nigeria Police Force and the fundamental rights of citizens.
Other sessions focused on lawful arrest and detention, stop-and-search procedures, police misconduct, drug abuse, cybercrime, electoral offences and the importance of peaceful elections.
The forum also featured interactive engagements with youth participants and other stakeholders, including a session that challenged participants to suggest what they would do if appointed Commissioner of Police for five minutes.
The command reiterated its commitment to strengthening public confidence, promoting accountability and deepening collaboration with young people and other stakeholders towards ensuring peace, security and peaceful coexistence across Kwara State.
