A non-governmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation, has urged security operatives to ensure strict respect for the fundamental rights of citizens while carrying out their duties.
The Executive Director of the foundation, Peter Maduoma, made the appeal on Wednesday in Makurdi during a citizens’ engagement forum involving security agencies in Benue State.
He stressed that while security personnel are expected to combat crime, they must not disregard human rights in the process, adding that abuses carried out under the guise of enforcement must be addressed.
Maduoma explained that the dialogue was organised to help close the trust gap between residents and security agencies, particularly the police.
He noted that the forum was a follow-up to an earlier meeting held in March, where community members discussed policing challenges, citizen engagement, and operational difficulties faced by law enforcement officers.
According to him, participants at that meeting developed a “charter of demands,” which was shared with the Nigerian Police for consideration.
He said the current session reviewed progress made over the past few months, adding that many of the issues previously identified were still unresolved.
The CLEEN Foundation boss added that discussions also focused on identifying community structures and resources that could support stronger collaboration between residents and security agencies in improving safety and reducing crime.
He emphasised that the engagement was based on partnership rather than confrontation, stressing the importance of cooperation, intelligence sharing, and respect for human rights in effective policing.
Maduoma also disclosed that the programme, supported by the Open Society Foundations, would continue on a quarterly basis to ensure sustained dialogue and accountability between citizens and security institutions.
He maintained that consistent engagement was necessary to gradually improve security outcomes and enhance the protection of lives and property.
Speaking at the event, Chief Simon Tov, the Kindred Head of Wurukum in Makurdi Local Government Area, commended the initiative, saying it provided a valuable platform for interaction between citizens and security agencies on crime prevention and peacebuilding.
He added that the knowledge gained would be shared within his community through meetings aimed at strengthening cooperation and reducing criminal activities.