Amb. Zainab Mohammed, eminent peace Ambassador says women are essential in gathering grassroots intelligence and curbing crime in society.

Mohammed made this submission in a keynote address at the‎ 3rd Observance of the International Day of Police Cooperation on Monday in Abuja.

The theme of the event was “Enhancing International Police Cooperation for a Safer World.’’

She called on the Nigeria Police to harness grassroots intelligence and reshape gender reforms in order to place Nigeria on the global map for security.

Mohammed highlighted Nigeria’s realities of insecurity—terrorism, banditry, kidnappings and farmer-herder clashes as evidence that security challenges did not respect state boundaries.

“They spill over; they connect; and they demand cooperation at every level, local, national, and international.

“‎But beyond treaties and global frameworks, true cooperation must begin from the ground up, in our villages, in our mosques and churches, in our markets and schools.’’

She stressed on the indispensable role of women in security.

According to her, women are often the first to sense unusual changes in communities.

“Women are often the first to sense unusual changes in communities; whether it is a boy suddenly keeping strange company, a new face appearing in the village, or a neighbour in silent distress.”

According to her, building on such grassroots intelligence can prevent crimes before they escalate into national or international threats.

“In the case of Borno, women’s participation in security dialogues enabled early detection of risks and quicker resolution of tensions.

“Globally, studies confirm that female officers use less force, attract fewer misconduct complaints, and foster deeper trust with citizens.

“In Nigeria, we have begun to see women rise within our police force, serving as deputy inspector generals, commissioners of police, and even the first female force secretary.

“With the unveiling of the Police Gender Policy in 2024, our daughters can now dream of careers once thought impossible.”

She said there was an urgent need for reforms in women’s detention cells.

According to her, the state of women in cells is not worthy of a nation that prides itself on dignity and justice.

“Too many of our sisters are kept in overcrowded, unhygienic spaces, without access to sanitary care, privacy, or medical attention.

“The Police Act of 2020 already provides the framework, but what remains lacking is the political will and leadership to insist that every police cell in Nigeria must meet a standard of dignity.”

Mohammed‎ applauded the Nigeria Police Force for its achievements while calling on international communities to extend their hands of solidarity to Nigeria.

“Let us build a Nigeria where the police and the people stand side by side; where dignity is never compromised, and where international cooperation delivers peace not just in theory, but in our daily lives,” she said.

The event, ‎endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly, ‎was organised by the International Association of World Peace Advocates.

It brought together dignitaries, security stakeholders, and civil society voices to deliberate on strengthening global police cooperation in line with the UN General Assembly’s observance. (NAN)