The Edo State Commissioner of Police, CP Monday Agbonika, fdc, on Friday, August 29, 2025, convened a strategic meeting at the John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy, Benin City, to advance the Community Safety Partnership program.
The session, the first in a series of stakeholder engagements, brought together hoteliers and representatives of the hospitality industry alongside the Command’s Management Team and senior officers. Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between the Police and the hospitality sector to improve intelligence sharing, enhance informal policing systems, and ensure safer communities across the state.
In his remarks, CP Agbonika underscored the critical role of hoteliers in crime prevention and security management. While highlighting the deployment of drones and other modern surveillance technologies, he stressed that genuine results can only be achieved through partnership.
“Technology alone cannot win the fight against crime. Drones and gadgets will be of little value if we do not work hand in hand with you the hoteliers and hospitality sector who are often the first contact for visitors and strangers,” he said.
The Commissioner assured stakeholders of the Command’s commitment to supporting businesses and creating a secure environment for residents and visitors alike. At the end of the meeting, both the Police Command and hospitality representatives pledged to deepen collaboration and support the establishment of the Edo State Community Safety Partnership.
According to the Police, subsequent sessions will engage other key groups as follows:
Industries/Companies – 30/08/2025
Religious Institutions – 01/09/2025
Traditional Institutions/Community & Youth leaders – 03/09/2025
Farmers/Herders – 05/09/2025
Orphanages/Schools/Universities/Ministry of Education – 06/09/2025
Financial Institutions/Banks/Insurance/POS Operators – 08/09/2025
NURTW/RTEAN/NLC/Car Dealers – 10/09/2025
PCRC/CSOs/Honorary Mess Members – 12/09/2025
When fully established, the Edo State Community Safety Partnership will provide a platform for community policing initiatives such as the Informal Policing System. It will meet monthly to review security concerns and establish committees to address them.
The Edo Police Command has called on all stakeholders and members of the public to continue supporting law enforcement efforts to ensure a safer society.
