Police Advocate Stronger Regional Collaboration At South-East Security Summit

The Nigeria Police Force has called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, governments and local communities to address insecurity in the South-East, as it participated in the 2026 South-East Regional Security Summit held in Umuahia, Abia State.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, was represented at the summit by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 9 Headquarters, Umuahia, AIG Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka. He was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, who represented the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 13 Headquarters, Ukpo, Anambra State.

The summit, held at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Umuahia, was organised by the Federal Ministry of Defence in collaboration with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South-East). It was themed, “Collaborative Approaches to Strengthening Security and Regional Stability.”

According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, AIG Nwonyi joined other security experts and stakeholders in examining the security challenges facing the South-East and proposing practical solutions to restore lasting peace.

During the panel discussion, the senior police officer stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies and greater public participation in tackling criminal activities.

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“During the high-level panel discussion, the AIG advocated enhanced inter-agency collaboration, intelligence sharing, community-based policing, strategic stakeholder engagement and sustained public support as critical imperatives for addressing insecurity in the region.”

The statement added that AIG Nwonyi was honoured with an award by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), in recognition of his contribution to the summit and commitment to national security.

The event was declared open by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, and attracted top government officials, security chiefs, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other stakeholders.

Among those in attendance were the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.); the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; representatives of South-East governors; the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; heads of security and law enforcement agencies; senior military and police officers; traditional rulers; and religious leaders.

The Nigeria Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to strengthen security across the region.

“The Nigeria Police Force reaffirms its commitment to working in synergy with sister security agencies, governments at all levels and community stakeholders in advancing sustainable peace, security and regional stability across the South-East,” the statement said.