Stakeholders have called for stronger collaboration between corporate organisations, security agencies, and local communities to enhance security and social development at the grassroots level.
They made the call during a Community Security Dialogue organised by the Pan-African United Development Network (PAUDEN) on Saturday in Katampe, Abuja.
The dialogue aimed to promote synergy between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives and community policing to address insecurity and social challenges in local communities.
The Convener of PAUDEN, Ambassador Habib Mohammed, said the initiative seeks to link CSR programmes with community security priorities to reduce vulnerability and youth restlessness.
> “You cannot tackle security without starting from the community,” Mohammed said. “Our goal is to connect CSR with security, because corporate social responsibility in one way or another affects everyone. We stand as a link between the people and the institutions.”
He explained that the network identifies local problems, highlights vulnerable groups, and connects them with organisations or individuals willing to provide support through CSR interventions.
According to Mohammed, the initiative includes identifying unemployed youths, widows, and out-of-school children for empowerment through vocational training, entrepreneurship, and educational support.
> “To curb youth restiveness, we must engage young people who have no jobs or means of livelihood. CSR must be channelled where it matters most — to communities most affected by poverty and insecurity,” he added.
He further disclosed that the network will produce monthly and quarterly security and development reports from communities such as Katampe to guide corporate bodies on targeted interventions.
In his remarks, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Katampe, CSP Hilary Unong, commended the initiative and urged residents to sustain their partnership with the police to maintain peace and order, especially ahead of the forthcoming elections.
> “It is in the interest of the Commissioner of Police and the Inspector-General of Police that we engage our people directly to sensitise them for peaceful elections,” Unong said.
He revealed that the Katampe Division had maintained close collaboration with traditional leaders, vigilante groups, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to sustain peace in the area.
According to him, the division has created security sectors within the district, each with a local security committee reporting directly to the police as part of efforts to strengthen community policing.
> “We work closely with His Royal Highness, the Hakimi, and community chiefs to sustain peace. For those who violate the law, we ensure they are arrested and prosecuted to serve as deterrence,” he said.
The DPO cautioned political actors and youths against violence during campaigns, stressing that elections should not be treated as a “do-or-die affair.” He assured residents that the police station remains open and accessible, promising confidentiality and fair treatment for all.
The District Head of Katampe, Alhaji Adamu Diga, also commended PAUDEN for the initiative and pledged the community’s continued cooperation with security agencies to sustain peace and development.
The event brought together traditional rulers, security operatives, civil society actors, and corporate representatives, all of whom expressed readiness to collaborate on security and community development initiatives.
