Nigeria Police, ECAPI Launch Groundbreaking Training Program For Community Intelligence Gathering

The Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Department (FID) in partnership with the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) is set to embark on a pivotal 3-day training program themed “Community Intelligence Gathering Training” slated for June 26-28, 2024. 

This initiative, spearheaded by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun Ph.D, NPM, aims to enhance the capacity of police personnel and community stakeholders in gathering and utilizing intelligence to prevent and combat crime.

The training will equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively gather, analyze, and disseminate intelligence.

The collaborative approach to crime prevention and community safety seeks to strengthen the relationship between the police and the community, building trust, improving response times, and ultimately reducing crime.

Ambassador (Mayor) Eniola Adam Samuel, Founder and President of ECAPI, commended the IGP’s vision for a safer Nigeria, evident in this training initiative.

He highlighted the benefits of the collaboration, including enhanced intelligence gathering, specialized expertise, and improved community relationships.

He stated that the training aims to leverage the expertise of the Force Intelligence Department to train Special Private Detectives as investigators in gathering high-quality intelligence to support the police and other law enforcement agency efforts geared towards combating crime and insecurity in our country.

Ambassador (Mayor) Eniola Adam Samuel, who is also a Chief Superintendent (CSP) in the Special Police Unit (SPY), emphasized the importance of partnerships between law enforcement agencies and civil society organizations in achieving shared goals.

He stated that this innovative program underscores the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to community policing and highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships in enhancing security.

He added that upon completion, the special private detectives are expected to provide valuable insights and information to support law enforcement efforts, leveraging their specialized skills and expertise to drive policing strategies.

National Training Coordinator of the Police/ECAPI Community Intelligence Gathering Training, Det. Reagan Onuoha C. stated that the groundbreaking training is more than just a capacity-building initiative.

He sees this initiative as a transformative response to the growing need for community-led solutions to security challenges.

“It is a national intervention, and empowering ordinary citizens with intelligence-gathering skills and community policing knowledge will foster deeper collaboration between security agencies and the people, leading to early detection of criminal activity, reduction in violent crimes, and a more security-conscious society.

“As we launch this Community Intelligence Gathering Training, we are not just building skills; we are building a network of watchful eyes, ears and trusted voices across communities who will serve as a silent but powerful security force for Nigeria.

Onuoha noted that with participants drawn from diverse backgrounds, including religious leaders, youth influencers, artisans, professionals, and traders, the training is designed to bridge the gap between intelligence and grassroots realities.

He expressed optimism that the training will usher in a renewed era of proactive, people-driven policing, deepen trust in the Nigeria Police, and significantly improve safety and peace across local communities and the nation at large.

“The trainees, who will be known and addressed as Community Intelligence Agents, or CIA, will be the game-changers in the fight against crime and other social vices; they will be the bridge between the police and the community, providing real-time intelligence that will help the police and other law enforcement agencies stay one step ahead of criminals. We are excited to see the impact these agents will make in making our communities safer and more secure.”