The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, has urged youths to partner with the police in combating crime and misinformation, describing them as critical stakeholders in promoting peace, security and sustainable development.
Jimoh made the call on Tuesday at the Political Intellectual Summit: Youth-Police Engagement Programme organised by the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement in collaboration with the Bureau of Public Defender (BPD), held at the Zone 2 Police Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos.
He said effective youth engagement was in line with global policing standards and essential for building trust, strengthening community cooperation and enhancing public safety.
According to him, young people are not only future leaders but also agents of change with a responsibility to counter misinformation, hate speech and false narratives capable of undermining national security.
The police boss urged youths to support law enforcement by providing credible information on criminal activities and maintaining constructive partnerships with the police in their communities.
The AIG said the Nigeria Police Force had evolved beyond the slogan, “Police is your friend,” to becoming a genuine partner committed to protecting lives and property through community participation.
Jimoh said that modern policing cannot succeed without public trust, active citizen participation and sustained engagement, particularly with youths.
“We are your friends and your partners. Do not be afraid to approach us. We are here to serve you and work with you in addressing security challenges.
“Our duty is to protect lives and property, and we can only do that effectively when the people see us as partners and are willing to work with us.
“We want young people to have the confidence to approach the police, report crimes, share useful information and engage with us without fear,” he said.
The AIG said policing should be anchored on respect for human rights, accountability, inclusiveness, dialogue and community partnership to strengthen public confidence.
He commended the Lagos State Government for promoting police-youth engagement through regular dialogue and sustained support for security agencies, noting that the government’s investments in security infrastructure and youth development had contributed significantly to crime reduction in the state.
Jimoh also praised Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for providing operational support that had strengthened policing in Lagos and neighbouring Ogun State.
He disclosed that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Olatunji Disu, had directed police commanders nationwide to deepen community-oriented policing through youth engagement, mentorship, public enlightenment, digital communication and other community-based initiatives.
The police boss assured youths that the police remained open to constructive criticism and dialogue aimed at improving service delivery.
He urged young people to embrace the rule of law, reject criminality and work with the police, the media and other stakeholders to build a safer, more secure and peaceful society.
Jimoh expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between the police and the public would further enhance security and national development.
