The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has announced plans to train over 1,000 youths in Zaria on security vigilance and intelligence gathering next year.
Ibrahim Olaniyan, the PCRC national chairman, shared this information while addressing PCRC members on Monday in Zaria. He noted that the training would encompass modern technology applications for crime detection as well as practices in community policing.
“Youth are agents of change in our society today; their role is invaluable,” Olaniyan stated.
He explained that the training aims to encourage youth participation in community policing, including its operations and practices, to help create a safer society.
“It is also designed to support the police in ensuring a crime-free society,” he added.
Olaniyan mentioned that a committee would be formed under the PCRC’s youth mobilisation and awareness programmes to design the training’s structure and modalities.
“We chose Zaria as the training’s flag-off location due to its concentration of academic institutions and its strategic location in northern Nigeria,” he said.
He further emphasized that the PCRC recognizes the significant role Nigerian youth can play in combating crime and that their potential must be harnessed for community benefit.
“It’s unfortunate that today, some sponsors of criminal activities exploit the energy of our youth for malicious purposes. We must put an end to this trend,” Olaniyan stated.
During his visit to the Zaria area command, Olaniyan noted that his presence aimed to strengthen the command’s operations and reorganize its structure in line with PCRC’s objectives.
“I don’t typically visit area commands unless necessary. The Zaria command is essential to Kaduna state and the nation, so it must be well-organized,” he remarked.
In response, CSP Abdurrahman Idris, who represented the Zaria area police commander, expressed appreciation for Olaniyan’s commitment to advancing community policing in Nigeria.
“I am pleased and encouraged by your visit, which marks the beginning of a renewed PCRC in this command. We are ready to support you,” he assured.
(NAN)
