In a bold step toward proactive security across Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force has officially launched a groundbreaking Community Intelligence Gathering Training in Lagos State, signaling a major shift from traditional policing to intelligence-led, community-driven crime prevention.

news.momentousng.com reports that the NPF in collaboration with the Force Intelligence Department (FID) and the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI), on Thursday kicked-off a three-day training with the aim to empower community actors, local security operatives and stakeholders with vital skills in intelligence gathering, community engagement and ethical policing practices.

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, represented by AC Oluwaseyi Olabisi Okuwobi, described the initiative as a clarion call for collective security and a move to reposition communities as critical partners in national security, not just passive beneficiaries of protection.

“Intelligence is the soul of policing, without accurate and timely information, the fight against crime becomes a blind struggle. The community is our first line of defense and must be empowered and integrated into our intelligence ecosystem.” the IGP declared.

In a passionate charge to the attendees, Egbetokun emphasized the seriousness of the initiative: “From today, you are not just community members, you are agents of peace and order. To whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Founder and President of ECAPI and a Chief Superintendent (CSP) in the Special Police Unit (SPY), Ambassador (Mayor) Eniola Adam Samuel, lauded the Inspector General of Police (IGP) for his forward-thinking approach to a safer Nigeria, as demonstrated by the launch of the training initiative.

Adams emphasized that the collaboration would strengthen intelligence gathering, introduce specialized expertise and improve community relations.

According to him, the training is designed to harness the capabilities of the Force Intelligence Department in equipping Special Private Detectives with the skills needed to generate actionable intelligence in support of the police and other security agencies.

He further noted that the program reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s strong commitment to community policing and highlights the value of strategic partnerships between law enforcement and civil society. Upon completion, the trained detectives are expected to offer critical insights and support, using their specialized knowledge to complement national crime-fighting and security efforts.

Also speaking, the National Training Coordinator of the Police/ECAPI Community Intelligence Gathering Training, Detective Reagan Onuoha C., described the program as a groundbreaking national intervention that goes beyond traditional capacity-building.

He said the initiative is a direct and transformative response to the growing demand for community-driven solutions to Nigeria’s complex security challenges.

“This is more than training, we are empowering everyday citizens with the knowledge and skills needed for effective intelligence gathering and community policing. It’s about forging stronger collaboration between the people and security agencies to enable early detection of criminal activity, reduce violent crimes, and promote a more vigilant and security-conscious society.” Onuoha stated.

He explained that the launch of the Community Intelligence Gathering Training marks the creation of a decentralized network of informed citizens watchful eyes and trusted voices across communities who will quietly serve as a vital support system to national security efforts.

With participants drawn from various segments of society, including religious leaders, youth advocates, artisans, professionals, and traders, the program is uniquely positioned to connect official intelligence efforts with grassroots realities.

Onuoha expressed confidence that this inclusive approach will usher in a new era of proactive, citizen-led policing, foster public trust in the Nigeria Police Force, and contribute to sustained peace and safety across communities.

He further revealed that the participants will be officially recognized as Community Intelligence Agents (CIA), and will play a pivotal role in the fight against crime and social vices.

“These agents will serve as the crucial link between law enforcement and the public, offering real-time, on-the-ground intelligence that allows security agencies to stay ahead of criminal elements,” he said.

“We are optimistic about the positive impact they will make in transforming our communities into safer and more secure spaces.”

The participants are currently undergoing training on a wide array of topics, including the roles of Community Intelligence Officers, risk management protocols, managing confidential information and building trust with informants.

The training, themed “Community Intelligence Gathering Training” and slated for June 26-28, 2025, promises not just theory but practical tools that participants are expected to implement in their communities.