In a move aimed at revolutionizing the Nigerian policing system, the Inspector General of Police (Ag.), IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has joined forces with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to establish additional Complaint Response Unit (CRU) offices in Enugu, Kano, and Rivers states. Furthermore, the existing CRU office in Lagos will be expanded, allowing for greater access to justice and accountability for the public.
In an official statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, it was revealed that this collaboration marks a significant milestone in the decentralization and expansion of CRU’s presence nationwide, in compliance with the provisions of Section 131 of the Police Act 2020.
The IGP’s vision encompasses the establishment of a more transparent, accountable, and responsive policing system, closely adhering to international best practices. By reducing the barriers that citizens face when reporting issues, the expansion of CRU offices will expedite the resolution process and ensure that public grievances are addressed promptly.
The project will encompass an extensive outreach program aimed at developing effective strategies and modalities to extend CRU services to underserved rural communities and individuals with limited access. To spearhead this effort, interactive Town Hall meetings will be held in each of the four states – Kano, Lagos, Rivers, and Enugu. These meetings will bring together 20 key stakeholders as identified by the respective police commands.
The Town Hall sessions will serve as platforms for open discussions, collaborations, and problem-solving, with the primary goal of improving community-police relations and enhancing service quality. The schedule for the meetings is as follows: Kano State – October 23rd, Lagos – October 25th, Rivers – October 31st, and Enugu – November 8th, 2023.
The Complaints Response Unit has played a crucial role in addressing public grievances, handling complaints related to police misconduct, human rights violations, and other issues. With the expansion of CRU offices, more Nigerians will have access to a streamlined and efficient system of complaint resolution.
Overall, the collaborative efforts between the Inspector General of Police and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime are poised to bring about significant improvements in the justice and accountability system of Nigeria’s policing, ensuring that the voice of the people is heard and their concerns are addressed.
