By Imrana Sulaiman Maikanti
In commemoration of the 2025 National Police Day, the Nigeria Police Force organized a stakeholders’ town hall meeting at Matrix International School, Gombe on Thursday.
The event brought together security agencies, government officials, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and community leaders to foster deeper public participation for effective policing and security.
In his opening remarks, retired Commissioner of Police Muhammad Wakili emphasized the need for the police to be friends of the public, listen attentively, and address issues without harassment. He warned that police conduct directly influences public trust, highlighting that the police force is one of the most powerful institutions and must exercise its power responsibly.
Wakili commended the Gombe State Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, for his God-fearing leadership and urged the public to cooperate fully with the police to ensure a safer society. He also encouraged citizens to report wrongdoing without fear, while calling on the government to provide necessary support to the police force.
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, in his welcome remarks, stated that the town hall meeting, themed “Community and the Police: Fostering Deeper Public Participation for Effective Service Delivery”, was designed to engage sister agencies and the public in a collective effort to secure lives and property. He commended the special guests and participants for their dedication to peace and unity, stressing that community involvement is essential for the success of policing efforts.
The Commissioner for Internal Security in Gombe State, Lt. Col. Muhammad Bello rtd. expressed appreciation to the police force for their relentless efforts in maintaining peace and security. He reaffirmed the government’s continued support, stressing that Governor Inuwa Yahaya remains committed to ensuring stability and unity in the state. He emphasized that the government will continue to provide the necessary resources to enhance police operations and community safety initiatives.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ali Adamu Boderi, Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gombe, underscored the interdependence of the police and the public in achieving security goals. He outlined key strategies such as community policing, security committees, and the use of technology for effective service delivery.
He commended the state government for establishing the Ministry of Internal Security and emphasized that security is a collective responsibility that requires cooperation from all sectors, including educational institutions. He called for enhanced training programs for police officers, better intelligence-sharing mechanisms, and the involvement of youths in security matters to create a more informed and proactive society.