The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) National Conference held yesterday in Lagos brought together top security leaders, national executives, and grassroots stakeholders in a renewed call for community-driven policing.
The event featured powerful speeches by the newly appointed CEO of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr. Ayo Ogunsan, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, the Lagos PCRC Chairman, Apostle Kehinde Showemimo, among others. They all underscored the indispensable role of public participation in sustaining security across Lagos State.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ogunsan opened with acknowledgments of the leadership present. He stated: “I am wearing many caps. I am the Patron of PCRC in Lagos. Three weeks ago, the Governor added to my responsibility as the new CEO of LSSTF. I want to thank my mentor, the CP emeritus of Lagos, the AIG of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, the CP of Lagos, CP Olohundare Jimoh and all the DPOs present here.”
Transitioning into what he described as his central message for the day, he declared: “Let me preach my Gospel, the Gospel according to LSSTF. For this December, I am assured that the AIG and the CP are already brainstorming on how to ensure that Lagos is safer this season than even the previous months. December is sensitive where international travelers and even those in Nigeria are coming in to say that Lagos is where they want to enjoy December. I want to assure you that December will be safer, so come in your large numbers, but your resources and contributions will go a long way.”
He clarified that every contribution raised at the event would be strictly used for strengthening police operations: “I want to tell the Nigeria Police that whatever we raise here, you won’t get a percentage in raw cash but in equipment for our overall aim of Lagos secure.”
In a shift from targeting large donors, he made a grassroots appeal. “Everyone of you will bring out your phone to donate. I am not here to pursue the mega donors because they have been regular and consistent in their contributions, but this time around, the kind of alert that gladdens my heart is the likes of 2000, 5000, 10000 naira etc. because I know that students, market men and women are getting involved because security is everyone’s business.”
He further urged security operatives themselves to support the cause personally. “Police officers and other security officers here, you too can be involved. If you want your family to walk on the streets without being harassed, you need to donate. This is a direct impact project.”
Also delivering a detailed address, AIG Adegoke Fayoade highlighted the measurable outcomes of community-police collaboration in Lagos.
While he eulogized the efforts of PCRC in Nigeria and especially in Lagos, Fayoade said “Between 2019 and 2023, LSSTF reports showed a 35% reduction in violent crimes and a 15% improvement in Police response time credited to community collaboration, technology, and local intelligence support.”
He offered concrete examples. “For example, the RRS co-founded by State and private support benefits from realtime community tips transmitted through PCRC local channels. This allows for proactive policing rather than reactive.”
Fayoade emphasized that Lagos’ security achievements extend beyond statistics, pointing to deliberate structures for community connection. “Beyond stats, Lagos State success lies in the institutionalization of dialogue. Regular town hall meetings between the DPOs and community leaders, interfaith security forums, and youth engagement programs have built mutual understanding.”
He recalled a critical moment where these structures proved effective. “The 2023 post-election period, for instance, which threatened to inflame ethnic tension, was peaceful, managed in part by PCRC executives who convened peace dialogue all across markets and transport unions.”
Summarizing the Lagos security philosophy, Fayoade concluded: “The Lagos model demonstrates that security is not achieved by coercion but through consensus.”
The conference ended with renewed commitments from all stakeholders to deepen trust, expand collaboration, and reinforce community-centric policing as the backbone of a safer Lagos.