The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has lauded the actions of Mbaise youths and stakeholders for boldly confronting misconduct by members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) along the Owerri–Umuahia Road, while also commending the Imo State Police Command for its mature and professional response to the public outcry.
In a statement signed by RULAAC Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, the organisation hailed the “courageous and patriotic” stance taken by the Concerned Citizens of Mbaise in addressing cases of extortion, harassment, and unprofessional behaviour by some operatives. Rather than taking to the streets in protest, the group opted for constructive engagement with the police, a move RULAAC described as “mature, civic-minded, and exemplary.”
The development follows a press release from the Imo State Police Command disclosing that a meeting was held on August 5 at the Command Headquarters in Owerri, where the concerns of the community were openly addressed. The meeting was convened by the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, and included representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), military officers, senior police officials, and youth leaders.
According to the police statement, CP Danjuma acknowledged the reported misconduct, condemned the actions of erring officers, and pledged to implement reforms aimed at enhancing oversight and preventing future abuse. He also praised the group for opting for dialogue over confrontation.
RULAAC described this move as “commendable and exemplary,” noting that the Commissioner’s openness to accountability and community engagement represents a positive shift in policing culture in the Southeast—an area where trust in law enforcement has been eroded over time by widespread impunity and human rights abuses.
“Had this model of proactive leadership and community engagement been adopted earlier,” RULAAC noted, “it could have helped curb insecurity and addressed the public’s long-standing perception of police hostility.”
The group also emphasised that the Mbaise youths’ approach not only drew attention to legitimate grievances but also highlighted the value of peaceful advocacy in holding security institutions accountable.
To sustain the momentum, RULAAC urged the Imo State Police Command to: Take transparent disciplinary action against the officers involved, Institutionalize regular dialogue with community stakeholders, launch public awareness campaigns to discourage extortion and educate citizens and officers on rights and responsibilities and strengthen internal oversight units like the X-Squad and Complaints Response Unit (CRU).
RULAAC also called on civil society and youth groups across the Southeast to emulate the Mbaise model of peaceful and evidence-based advocacy and encouraged other police commands nationwide to adopt a citizen-focused approach rooted in mutual trust and respect.
“A more just, secure, and peaceful society is only possible,” the group stated, “when police authorities and the communities they serve are guided by shared values of accountability, fairness, and respect for human dignity.”
