“A Petition to The Inspector General of Police on Negligence of Some Senior Police Officers in Engaging with “Save DELTA Platforms” for Real-Time Security Intelligence”.
The Inspector General of Police,
Louis Edet House, Force Headquarters,
Shehu Shagari Way,
Central Area, Abuja, Nigeria.
23rd of January, 2025.
Sir,
“A Petition to The Inspector General of Police on Negligence of Some Senior Police Officers in Engaging with “Save DELTA Platforms” for Real-Time Security Intelligence”.
We, the members of the Young Nigerian Rights Organization (YNRO), write to bring to your attention a matter of significant concern affecting the security collaboration efforts in Delta State. Our organization has been at the forefront of selfless advocacy for over a decade, championing human rights, social justice, and humanitarian services. We are not enemies of the police, nor should we be perceived as such, but as genuine partners in progress towards building a safer society.
The Young Nigerian Rights Organization is the convener of the Save DELTA Platforms, a security initiative designed to bridge the gap between civilians and security agencies through real-time intelligence sharing. This platform has proven invaluable, particularly to the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, in addressing pressing security challenges within Delta State.
Unfortunately, we have observed with deep concern that some senior police officers—key stakeholders in law enforcement—have consistently exited and disengaged from this platform. This pattern not only undermines the collaborative efforts required to tackle security issues but also raises questions about the commitment of these officers to an inclusive security framework.
This situation compels us to ask: Can the police force in Delta State effectively tackle the multifaceted security challenges alone? The Nigerian Constitution and the Police Act emphasize that security is a shared responsibility between the government and its people. Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) explicitly states that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.” Similarly, the Police Act, 2020, encourages partnerships between law enforcement agencies and civilians for the promotion of public safety and order.
As the lead Activist of the Young Nigerian Rights Organization, I, Comrade Victor Ojei (Wong Box), feel particularly hurt by this development. I come from a proud lineage of police officers; my father was a dedicated officer, and my grandfather also served in the force. This family heritage instilled in me a deep respect for the police institution and an unwavering belief in its pivotal role in society.
Our platform and organization have always supported the police in achieving their mandate. We have approached this partnership with nothing but selfless dedication, driven by the desire to enhance security and foster community safety. It is, therefore, deeply disheartening that our efforts are being neglected or undermined by some senior officers.
In light of the above, we humbly appeal to your esteemed office to:
1. Investigate the actions of the senior police officers in Delta State who have disengaged from the Save DELTA Platforms and ascertain the reasons behind their apathy.
2. Reinforce the principles of community policing as enshrined in the Police Act, 2020, and ensure that officers actively engage with initiatives aimed at fostering collaboration with civilians.
3. Encourage an open dialogue between the police and civil society organizations like ours to strengthen partnerships and rebuild trust.
4. Hold accountable officers whose negligence in fostering collaboration undermines the broader security framework of Delta State.
Security is a shared responsibility that requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders. Disengaging from platforms like Save DELTA jeopardizes public safety and weakens the fight against crime. We urge you to act swiftly to address this issue and ensure that the police in Delta State work hand in hand with civil society groups for the good of all.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to supporting the Nigeria Police Force in achieving its mission to protect and serve.
Yours faithfully,
Comrade Victor Ojei (Wong Box)
Lead Activist, Young Nigerian Rights Organization
Convener, Save DELTA Platforms
Phone: +234 803 878 5262
Cc:
• Commissioner of Police, Delta State.
• Director, Department of State Services, Delta State.
• National Security Adviser, Abuja.
• Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Delta State.