By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
Comrade Idris Miliki Abdul, a Lokoja-based human rights activist and Executive Director of the Conscience for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution (CHRCR), has called for stronger community involvement in crime-fighting across Kogi State.
In an interview with NationalWatch TV on Wednesday, he emphasized that active local participation is essential to complement government efforts and ensure lasting public safety.
Abdul noted that while the government implements preventive measures such as school and market closures, citizen participation remains critically low.
“The welfare and security of citizens should be a shared responsibility,” he said.
“It is not just about government interventions; communities must be involved in identifying and addressing threats.”
Highlighting the role of local security personnel, including vigilantes, Abdul explained that trained community members provide continuity and act as a bridge between citizens and formal security agencies.
“You cannot rely solely on police or military personnel who are transferred after a few months,” he said.
“Engaged, trained community members can act as a first line of response and ensure criminals do not return once outside forces leave.”
He stressed the importance of structured community engagement through workshops, seminars, and empowerment programs that allow citizens to actively participate in crime-fighting. “Community resilience is now a global concept,” Abdul said.
“Empowering local populations through engagement and information sharing is key to sustainable security.”
The activist urged the Kogi State government to adopt strategies such as community policing and local recruitment to strengthen the state’s crime-fighting framework.
“The government may have good intentions, but if citizens are not integrated into the process, security efforts will remain incomplete,” he added.
Comrade Abdul’s remarks come amid growing calls for innovative approaches to public safety in Nigeria, emphasizing a collaborative model where government and citizens work hand in hand to fight crime and maintain law and order.
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