Odita Sunday 
PCRC Marks 42 Years, Honours Police Officers, Pushes Stronger Community Policing
By Odita Sunday
The Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) has renewed calls for stronger community policing, intelligence sharing and public participation in security management as it celebrated its 42nd anniversary in Abuja.
The event also featured the recognition of nine police officers for distinguished service, as stakeholders reflected on the role of community partnerships in addressing Nigeria’s growing security challenges.
The anniversary ceremony attracted senior police officers, government officials, PCRC executives, civil society stakeholders and members from across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Logistics and Supply, DIG Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, described the PCRC as one of the strongest pillars of community-oriented policing in Nigeria.
According to him, the anniversary theme, “42 Years of PCRC: A Legacy of Service, A Future of Safe Communities,” reflects the organisation’s long-standing commitment to partnership, trust and shared responsibility in promoting safer communities.
He noted that the security challenges confronting the country require deeper cooperation between citizens and security agencies.
“The legacy of the PCRC is visible in every state, every division, and every community where it has stood as the voice of partnership and a beacon of cooperation,” he said.
DIG Onwuemelie, speaking for the IGP, stressed that the future of policing in Nigeria would depend heavily on intelligence-led operations, technological innovation and stronger engagement with local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to proactive and community-driven policing strategies.
“The future we envision will require renewed commitment to community engagement, enhanced public trust, and continuous dialogue between the police and the people,” he added.
Observers say the renewed emphasis on community policing comes amid increasing concerns over kidnapping, banditry and other violent crimes across parts of the country.
Earlier in his welcome address, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Mogaji Ibraheem Olaniyan, described the anniversary as a celebration of resilience, unity and sustained partnership between the police and communities.
Olaniyan traced the history of the organisation to its founding by the late Etim Inyang, noting that the PCRC had evolved into a major institution supporting peace, public safety and cooperation nationwide.
Highlighting achievements under his leadership, Olaniyan disclosed that the PCRC had reclaimed its national secretariat and secured approval for the construction of a new national headquarters project through the Ministry of Police Affairs and the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, the proposed headquarters would provide office accommodation, subsidised housing for members and additional revenue streams through residential apartment projects.
He also highlighted welfare initiatives implemented for police personnel and their families, including financial assistance, medical support, scholarships and festive interventions distributed during Christmas and Ramadan periods.
Olaniyan further disclosed that the PCRC had expanded internationally with chapters established in the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Ireland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United States.
He added that the organisation had strengthened collaborations with the Ministry of Police Affairs, the Police Service Commission and civil society organisations on leadership training, gender-based violence advocacy and police recruitment monitoring.
The celebration featured goodwill messages, awards and renewed calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
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