Police, anti-crime initiative begin training on community intelligence gathering
The Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) has teamed up with the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department (FID) to launch a three-day training programme.
The training, themed ‘Community Intelligence Gathering Training’, is spearheaded by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
It aims to enhance the ability of police personnel and community members to gather and utilise intelligence effectively in preventing and combating crime. Participants will gain the necessary skills to collect, analyse, and share intelligence efficiently.
This collaborative approach to crime prevention and community safety aims to strengthen the relationship between the police and the community, fostering trust, enhancing response times, and ultimately reducing crime.
Mr Eniola Adam Samuel, Founder and President of ECAPI, praised the Inspector General of Police’s vision for a safer Nigeria. He highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, including enhanced intelligence gathering, specialised expertise, and improved community relationships.
Mr Samuel, a Chief Superintendent (CSP) in the Special Police Unit (SPY), stated that the training aims to leverage the expertise of the Force Intelligence Department to train Special Private Detectives as investigators. These detectives will gather high-quality intelligence to support the police and other law enforcement agencies in combating crime and insecurity in the country. He emphasised the importance of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and civil society organisations in achieving shared goals, adding that the programme underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to community policing and highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships in enhancing security.
Upon completion of the training, the special private detectives are expected to provide valuable insights and information to support law enforcement efforts, using their specialised skills and expertise to drive policing strategies.
Mr Reagan Onuoha, the National Training Coordinator of the Police/ECAPI Community Intelligence Gathering Training, described the initiative as more than just a capacity-building exercise. He sees it as a transformative response to the increasing need for community-led solutions to security challenges.