The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Onikan, Lagos, Olohundare Jimoh, has called on Nigerian youths to work closely with security agencies to promote peaceful elections and strengthen community policing ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Jimoh made the appeal during the Political Intelligence Summit: Youth-Police Engagement Across the IBILE Divisions, organised by the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement in collaboration with the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender.
Addressing participants, the AIG described young people as vital partners in promoting peace, security and democratic governance, stressing that effective policing can only succeed through cooperation between the police, communities, educational institutions and other stakeholders.
“Trust, accountability, dialogue and inclusiveness remain the foundation of successful community policing,” Jimoh said.
He urged youths to reject misinformation, hate speech and divisive narratives capable of threatening national unity, encouraging them to use social media responsibly to educate others and promote civic participation.
“The police are no longer just your friends; we are your partners,” he said, while encouraging young people to report security concerns and grievances through the appropriate channels.
Jimoh also warned against involvement in criminal activities and election-related violence, noting that many young Nigerians have become more politically aware and appreciate the importance of peaceful participation in the democratic process.
Speaking on delays in criminal trials caused by the absence of investigating police officers in court, the AIG attributed the problem to transfers, retirements and the prolonged duration of some criminal cases.
He assured participants that the Nigeria Police Force would continue working with stakeholders in the criminal justice system to reduce delays and improve the administration of justice.
Jimoh also commended the Lagos State Government for investing in security infrastructure and creating platforms that encourage dialogue between the police and young people.
He disclosed that future engagements would include school outreach programmes, mentorship initiatives, community service projects and social media campaigns aimed at promoting civic responsibility and security awareness.
The police chief reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to community-oriented policing and the protection of citizens’ constitutional rights.
Also speaking, the Director of the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender, Mrs Olubunmi Adesomoju, urged young Nigerians to understand their constitutional rights and engage constructively with law enforcement agencies.
“We realised that we need to sensitise our youths on police engagement so that they understand their rights and how government institutions can assist them,” she said.
Adesomoju explained that while citizens have the constitutional right to protest and express their opinions, such rights should be exercised within the limits of the law.
She reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to providing legal assistance and protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, particularly women, girls and young people.
According to her, the summit is part of a broader Lagos State Government initiative to strengthen police-youth relations across the state’s five IBILE divisions.
Earlier, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Engr. Sholabomi Shasore, represented by Dr Omotayo Babatunde, described security as a shared responsibility requiring collaboration among government, communities and young people.
She said the summit was designed to build trust between youths and security agencies, improve political intelligence and encourage community-driven solutions to security challenges.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Prosecutions in the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Mr Adebayo Haroun, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with the police to ensure effective investigation and prosecution of criminal cases.
He urged investigating police officers to honour court invitations, properly document investigations and maintain accurate witness records to reduce avoidable delays in criminal trials.
