Zainab Mohammed, spokesperson for the Coalition for Women in Governance, states that women are crucial in gathering grassroots intelligence and combating crime in society.

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

She called on the police to harness grassroots intelligence and reshape gender reforms to place Nigeria on the global security map.

Ms Mohammed highlighted 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,” said Ms Mohammed. “‎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 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,” Ms Mohammed explained.

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,” Ms Mohammed added.

She stated that there was an urgent need for reforms in women’s detention facilities.

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,” she stated. “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.”

Ms Mohammed applauded the police for their achievements while calling on the international community to extend its hand of solidarity to Nigeria.

(NAN)