Strengthening School Security through Community Action

The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has mobilised its newly invested patrons and honorary members to support the protection of pupils and students. This move is part of renewed efforts to strengthen security around educational institutions across the country, focusing on proactive engagement and mentorship.

The National Chairman of PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, detailed the plan during the 2026 Patrons and Honorary Members Investiture and Award Ceremony of PCRC Zone 2 in Lagos. He noted that the committee is working closely with the Inspector-General of Police to intensify the Safe School Club initiative. This programme involves PCRC members assisting with traffic management and ensuring the safe passage of students in their respective communities.

We are taking you back to your primary and secondary schools. We want to use you with your name and your personality for our children to look up to you.

— Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, National Chairman, PCRC

Roles and Responsibilities of New Patrons

Alhaji Olaniyan tasked the newly appointed patrons to leverage their influence, resources, and public standing to contribute to the safety of schools. He emphasized that these roles are not merely ceremonial but carry significant responsibilities for crime prevention and youth development. The initiative aims to counter the growing exposure of young people to criminality, cultism, and other social vices.

He further cautioned that the PCRC maintains strict standards for its members, stressing that individuals with questionable backgrounds are not admitted. The patrons are expected to work with local executives to mentor young people and provide the necessary resources to improve the working environment for both the police and the committee.

Deepening Police-Community Synergy

Representing the Assistant Inspector-General of Police for Zone 2, Deputy Commissioner of Police Bello Adamu Muhammed described the PCRC as an indispensable partner of the Nigeria Police Force. He highlighted that community participation remains the bedrock of effective policing in the modern era, stretching from the national headquarters to local divisional commands.

Police is PCRC. Very important. We work together in partnership. We move together and we are growing together.

— Bello Adamu Muhammed, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Nigeria Police Force

Chairman of PCRC Zone 2, Dr. Samson Kunle Popoola, added that security can no longer be viewed as the exclusive domain of the police. He argued that the evolving nature of security threats necessitates a foundation of trust, intelligence sharing, and mutual respect between the public and law enforcement agencies.

Enhancing Operational Support and Digitalization

As part of its commitment to improving security infrastructure, the PCRC has issued directives for its zones and state commands to acquire digital equipment. Zone 2 has already procured and presented digital cameras to the command to support operational transparency and efficiency. These technological advancements are intended to complement the traditional community-led security strategies already in place.

Together, we shall continue to promote peace, strengthen public trust, encourage intelligence-led policing and create an environment where law-abiding citizens can live, work and invest without fear.

— Dr. Samson Kunle Popoola, Chairman, PCRC Zone 2

Apostle Kehinde Adewale Showemimo, Chairman of the PCRC Lagos State Command, noted that the organization has fostered police-community relations for over four decades. He reiterated that the committee remains open to all individuals of proven character, regardless of tribe or religion, who are committed to the shared responsibility of protecting lives and property.