The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has described the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) as a critical partner in intelligence gathering and grassroots security across the country.
Disu stated this while receiving the leadership of the PCRC during a courtesy visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where he commended the committee for its decades-long support to the Nigeria Police Force.
A statement on Thursday by the PCRC Director of Global Communication and Media Relations, Olayemi Esan, the IG said the organisation had consistently provided both material and moral assistance to police formations nationwide, while also playing a strategic role in preventing crises through community-based intelligence.
“The PCRC has remained a very strong partner of the Nigeria Police. Your contributions to intelligence gathering and community policing cannot be overemphasised. You have consistently supported the police both materially and morally,” the IGP said.
Disu highlighted the committee’s intervention during periods of heightened tension, recalling how the PCRC worked with retired police officers to maintain calm during a 10-day nationwide protest when he served as Commissioner of Police in Rivers State.
“When there was tension, I reached out to retired police officers and the PCRC. I gave them assignments, and they went out to work. In Rivers State, many expected chaos, but throughout that period, the state remained calm. That shows the strength of your grassroots network and your commitment to peace,” he stated.
The police boss also revealed a personal connection to the organisation, noting that his 90-year-old father remains an active life member of the PCRC.
“My father has been a member of the PCRC for many years and is regarded as a life member in his area. I grew up watching him support the police—repairing police vehicles, providing fuel, and assisting officers in various ways. At the time, I did not fully understand why he was so committed, but today I know the reason,” he added.
Disu further assured the PCRC leadership that the Force Management Team recognises the value of the committee and would ensure that Commissioners of Police, Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers across the country accord it due recognition.
He also encouraged closer engagement between the PCRC and members of the Force Management Team to reduce bureaucracy and enhance collaboration.
“Coming here is not just about seeing the IGP. It is also about knowing members of my management team. You should leave here with their phone numbers so we can reduce bureaucracy. If you have any challenge, feel free to reach out directly,” he said.
The IGP, however, warned against misuse of the committee’s identity, urging members to maintain integrity and avoid using PCRC affiliation for personal gain or unlawful acts.
“We value every member of the PCRC who genuinely supports the police, but we must also be watchful of those who may want to use the identity of the organisation for the wrong reasons. No one should hide behind any identity card while doing what is wrong,” he cautioned.
Earlier, the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, said the visit was to reaffirm the committee’s loyalty to the Nigeria Police Force and strengthen collaboration under Disu’s leadership.
Olaniyan described the IGP as a “personal gift” to the committee, noting that members consider him one of their own due to his family’s longstanding connection with the organisation.
He disclosed that the PCRC, which will mark its 42nd anniversary on May 7, 2026, remains committed to complementing the efforts of the police through humanitarian support, grassroots mobilisation and community intelligence.
According to him, the committee had repaired three vehicles for the Force Headquarters and honoured 71 police officers nationwide for exceptional service, with plans to recognise nine additional junior officers during the forthcoming anniversary.
Olaniyan also revealed plans to partner with the police on a new initiative targeting primary and secondary schools to address rising cult-related and anti-social behaviour among youths through sensitisation campaigns and community advocacy.
The Police Community Relations Committee has long served as a bridge between the Nigeria Police Force and local communities, supporting intelligence gathering, conflict prevention and grassroots security initiatives.
The committee also provides material assistance to police formations, including repairs of infrastructure, logistics support and community mobilisation.
Over the years, the PCRC has collaborated with police authorities during periods of tension and public unrest, helping to maintain calm through its nationwide network of community stakeholders, professionals and retired officers.
The PUNCH