By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Cross River State Police Command and the Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in crime prevention, intelligence sharing and grassroots security across the state.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, reaffirmed the commitment on Tuesday during a strategic meeting with the Cross River State Commander of the VGN, Ntufam Dr Hayford S. Edet, and members of his command management team at the Police Headquarters in Calabar.During the meeting, Ordue emphasised the importance of timely intelligence sharing, community participation and effective collaboration between the police and recognised community based security organisations in identifying and preventing criminal activities.

He urged VGN members to remain vigilant, report suspicious movements promptly and provide credible information that could assist the police in identifying emerging security threats and responding effectively to criminal activities.The police commissioner also stressed that all security operations must comply with the law, uphold professional standards and respect the fundamental rights of citizens.

He warned against jungle justice, unlawful detention and abuse of authority, noting that the activities of vigilante groups must complement lawful policing rather than undermine the administration of justice.In his response, Edet reaffirmed the VGN’s commitment to supporting lawful security initiatives and working closely with the Nigeria Police Force to protect lives and property throughout Cross River State.He said cooperation between the police and community based security groups was important for strengthening local intelligence networks and improving the response to security challenges at the grassroots level.

The meeting highlighted the shared commitment of both organisations to intelligence led policing, community engagement and coordinated crime prevention efforts across the state.The Cross River State Police Command also called on residents, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies to help prevent crime and maintain public safety.The renewed partnership underscores the importance of mutual trust, accountability and respect for the rule of law in efforts to build safer communities across Cross River State.