LASG calls for stronger youth-police partnership to enhance community safety

The Lagos State Government has called for stronger collaboration between young people and the police, saying sustained dialogue, civic engagement and rights education are essential to building safer and more secure communities across the state.

The call was made at the Political Intelligence Summit on Youth-Police Engagement, jointly organised by the Lagos State Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement (OPL&CE) and the Lagos State Bureau of the Public Defender (BPD) at the Nigeria Police Zone 2 Headquarters in Onikan, Lagos.

A statement by the Lagos State government said the summit, themed “Bridging the Gap: Youth-Police Engagement for Community Safety and Social Reform,” brought together youth groups, security agencies, legal practitioners, civil society organisations and government officials to discuss ways of strengthening trust, promoting human rights and improving relations between the police and members of the public.

Delivering the keynote address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, Dr. Afolabi Abiodun Tajudeen, who was represented by the Director of the Citizens Engagement Department, Dr. Babatunde Omotayo, said the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to promoting inclusive governance, civic participation and community-based security initiatives.

He said security should no longer be seen as the sole responsibility of law enforcement agencies but as a shared duty that requires active collaboration among government institutions, communities and, most importantly, young people.

According to him, the summit was organised to provide a platform for constructive dialogue, strengthen relationships between youths and law enforcement agencies, improve political intelligence and encourage community-driven solutions to security challenges.

He added that youths remain one of society’s greatest assets, noting that their energy, creativity and innovative capacity make them critical partners in building safer and more resilient communities.

Speaking at the event, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olorundare Moshood Jimoh, stressed the need to build lasting relationships between the police and young people, saying effective policing depends on mutual trust, understanding and partnership.

He described youths as indispensable partners in promoting peace, security and sustainable development, noting that they play important roles in combating misinformation, preventing crime and strengthening community resilience.

“The youth are not just leaders of tomorrow; leadership starts today. They are strategic partners in promoting peace, security, and national development,” he said.

The AIG also said the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to internationally accepted policing standards anchored on respect for human rights, accountability, inclusiveness, dialogue and community partnerships.

He urged young people to support security efforts by providing credible information, rejecting misinformation and engaging constructively with law enforcement agencies.

Jimoh further disclosed that the relationship between the police and youths in Lagos has improved significantly through sustained engagement programmes introduced by the Lagos State Government, particularly the annual police-youth dialogue platforms.