*IGP RILWAN DISU APPROVES LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP/COLLABORATION BETWEEN CRU AND ECAPI TO DEEPEN POLICE-CITIZEN TRUST NATIONWIDE*
*CRU-ECAPI Collaboration to Launch Joint Sensitization, Youth Advocacy, and Community Outreach Programs Effective Immediately*
ABUJA, NIGERIA – In a decisive move to strengthen public safety, rebuild community trust, and promote lawful engagement between citizens and security agencies, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Rilwan Dosu, has approved a formal collaboration and partnership between the Nigeria Police Force Complaint Response Unit, (NPF-CRU), and the Eagle Crime Awareness & Prevention Initiative, ECAPI, effective July 20, 2026.
The strategic partnership marks a new chapter in community policing in Nigeria. It is designed to bridge the gap between the police and the public, reduce crime through prevention and education, and position young people as key drivers of peace and security in their communities.
Under the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding, the Nigeria Police Force CRU and ECAPI will work jointly to deliver seven priority areas of intervention across the 36 states and the FCT.
*1. Joint Public Sensitization Campaign on Police-Citizen Relationships -*
A nationwide campaign aimed at correcting the misconceptions, promote mutual respect, and encourage lawful and civil interactions between police officers and the public will be rolled out.
This will include radio jingles, TV documentaries, town hall messaging, and multilingual print materials.
*2. Organisation of Community Outreach Programs and Town Hall Engagements*-
CRU and ECAPI will convene regular community dialogues in markets, schools, religious centers, and local government areas. These engagements will provide citizens with direct access to police complaint channels and create safe spaces for feedback, concerns, and solutions.
*3. Development of Youth-Focused Crime Prevention and Anti-Violence Advocacy*-
Recognizing that young people are both the most vulnerable and the most powerful force for change, the partnership will launch school-based clubs, campus campaigns, and youth ambassador programs. The goal is to equip youths with skills for conflict resolution, civic responsibility, and crime prevention.
*4. Promotion of the “Police Is Your Friend” Campaign Nationwide*-
The iconic public trust campaign will be revived and repositioned for a new generation. Through music, drama, sports, and digital content, the campaign will reintroduce the police as protectors, partners, and friends of the people.
*5. Public Education on Citizens’ Rights, Responsibilities and Lawful Engagement with Security Agencies*-
ECAPI, in collaboration with CRU legal officers, will produce simplified guides and workshops to educate citizens on their constitutional rights, how to report misconduct, and their duties in supporting law enforcement. This will empower the public to engage security agencies without fear.
*6. Conflict Resolution and Trust-Building Initiatives with Communities*-
Special mediation teams will be trained and deployed to work with traditional rulers, community leaders, and youth groups to resolve disputes early and prevent escalation. The focus is on restorative justice and rebuilding broken trust at the grassroots.
*7. Social Media and Grassroots Advocacy Programs Aimed at Improving Public Perception and Cooperation with the Police*-
A digital task force will be established to create original, fact-based content for Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. At the same time, ECAPI’s grassroots network will drive door-to-door advocacy to ensure that information reaches communities with limited internet access.
Speaking on the approval, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Rilwan Dosu, stated that modern policing must go beyond enforcement.
“Security is a shared responsibility. The Nigeria Police Force cannot succeed in isolation. This partnership with ECAPI gives us a credible, community-rooted platform to listen, to educate, and to serve better. We are committed to a police service that is accountable, approachable, and aligned with the aspirations of Nigerians,” the IGP said.
The IGP further directed all State Command Commissioners of Police and CRU Desk Officers to provide full support to ECAPI teams in their respective jurisdictions to ensure seamless implementation.
Reacting to the approval, the Founder and President of Eagle Crime Awareness & Prevention Initiative, Amb. (Mayor) Eniola Samuel Adam, expressed deep appreciation to the Inspector General of Police for the confidence reposed in ECAPI.
“On behalf of the entire ECAPI family, I express our heartfelt appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, IGP Rilwan Dosu, for this historic approval. This partnership is proof that the Police are ready to walk with the people. We assure the IGP and Nigerians that the ECAPI team will swing into action effective immediately.
“Our volunteers, community mobilizers, and media team are already activated to begin sensitization, town hall meetings, and youth advocacy across the country. Together with the Police, we will build safer communities where trust replaces fear and cooperation replaces suspicion,” Amb. Adam said.
Founded in 2016, ECAPI is a leading non-governmental organization focused on crime prevention, civic education, and community safety. The organization has carried out over 100 outreach programs in schools, markets, and rural communities across Nigeria.
According Amb. (Mayor) Adam, implementation begins immediately. He stated that the first phase will include:
– Launch of the “Police Is Your Friend 2.0” media campaign
– Pilot town hall meetings in 6 geopolitical zones
– Training of 500 ECAPI Youth Ambassadors on crime prevention and peaceful engagement
– Deployment of CRU complaint education materials in English, Pidgin, Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba
The Nigeria Police Force and ECAPI will also establish a joint monitoring and evaluation committee to track impact, receive public feedback, and publish quarterly reports on progress.
The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to the principles of transparency, accountability, and service to the people. This partnership with ECAPI is one of several reforms aimed at making the Police more responsive and people-centered.
#PoliceIsYourFriend #SaferCommunities
#CRUxECAPI
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