By Edwin Nwachukwu
The leadership of Guard Time Information Human Rights Activists Nationwide has called for enhanced collaboration and peaceful engagement with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) under Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.
The group in a statement to 108scoop.com, underscored the critical role of the police as the primary institution for protecting lives and property, urging a shift toward diplomacy and mutual respect between law enforcement and the public.
It praised the dedication of officers across all ranks, from the IGP to Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), for their ongoing sacrifices in the fight against crime.
Comrade Bibi Oduku, who spoke on behalf of the organization, expressed high confidence in IGP Disu’s leadership, describing him as a disciplined officer committed to: “Professionalism and justice, reform and development of the Force and fairness in policing standards.”
Oduku said, “as human rights activists and patriotic Nigerians, we believe in dialogue, diplomacy, and lawful conflict resolution mechanisms that will foster mutual understanding without resulting in violence or bloodshed.”
The group highlighted a growing alliance with the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), saying “following discussions with the National Chairman, Alhaji Magaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, the partnership aims to bridge the gap between journalists, activists, security agencies, and the citizenry.”
He noted that key initiatives proposed by the group included continuous education for officers on anger management and human rights.
According to him, state coordinators are set to engage with Commissioners of Police nationwide to launch peace-building and non-violence orientation programmes at the divisional level.
On the group’s multidisciplinary involvement, it explained that legal practitioners and journalists will be integrated into the programme to ensure legal awareness and responsible reporting.
Also, comrade Ikhuenbor Felix Igbinevbo, the organization’s National Patron, noted visible improvements in intelligence-driven policing since the new IGP took office.
The group lauded Ikioye Orutugu and the Anambra State Police Command for recent successful operations targeting criminal hideouts and the recovery of illicit arms.
The group urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding, stressing that there are legal channels for addressing police misconduct rather than resorting to self-help.
It, however, cautioned media practitioners to ensure balanced, factual reporting to avoid escalating tensions or inciting public unrest.
