By Bashir Rabe Mani
Dr Faruk Maiyama, the National Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC ), says it is partnering the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to fight drug abuse and trafficking in the country.
Maiyama made this known in Abuja on Sunday.
According to the PCRC national chairman, more emphasis will be placed on women and youths in various communities and schools across Nigeria.
“This is why the PCRC is going to establish unit branches in all local communities and tertiary educational institutions across the country.
“We are going to intensify public enlightenment on the dangers of drug abuse, the role and importance of community policing, duties and responsibilities of both the Police and patriotic citizens,” he stated.
He also disclosed that PCRC has established women and youth committees in order to include the hitherto excluded and poorly represented members of the community.
Maiyama noted that the action was to bring these groups closer to the police and other security agencies.
“This is to promote mutual understanding and respect in the fight against crimes and criminal activities such as drug trafficking and abuse.
“It is to enable them contribute in sourcing and provision of intelligence information to relevant security agencies.
“This is because women and youths are veritable sources of intelligence information to help combat insecurity.
“At times, they could be ready tools in the hands of disgruntled elements of the community with negative influences,
“These could be deployed to cause trouble leading to wildcat protests and breakdown of law and order such as the recent EndSARS protests,” the PCRC boss said.
Maiyama further disclosed that PCRC has established a “Capacity Building Committee” to educate and enlighten its members and the general public on their duties and responsibilities.
He added: “This is to sustainably sensitise them on sourcing and provision of intelligence information to the police and other security agencies.
“Nigerians are also being sensitised to assist the police and other security agencies on the promotion and maintenance of law and order through enlightened partnership.”
Maiyama commended the Minister of Police Affairs, Maigari Dingyadi, due to his efforts in enhancing the welfare of the police.
“He is also repositioning the Ministry of Police Affairs, piloting and ensuring the take-off of Police Trust Fund in order to provide the police with the much needed facilities as well as equipment,” he added.
The PCRC chairman however appealed to the minister to hasten the completion of its national secretariat which had been abandoned at foundation level by the defunct Ministry of Police Affairs.
