Abia Police Joins South-East Dialogue on Civic Space, Accountability

Abia Police Joins South-East Dialogue on Civic Space, Accountability

The Abia State Police Command has participated in a one-day focused closed-door accountability dialogue on civic space in South-East Nigeria, held in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

The dialogue, convened by a consortium comprising the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF), Vivacious Development Initiative (VIDI), and Action Group for Free Civic Space (AGFCS), brought together police representatives and other key stakeholders from across the South-East.

The engagement was organised as part of a 12-month regional project titled, “From Silencing to Accountability: Challenging the Securitization of Civic Space in South East Nigeria,” covering Abia, Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi states.

The forum focused on strengthening constructive engagement and accountability in security operations while promoting the protection of constitutionally guaranteed civic rights.

It also acknowledged the security challenges confronting the South-East and examined practical approaches to ensuring that law enforcement operations are carried out in accordance with human rights, due process and public accountability.

Participants at the dialogue included representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, National Human Rights Commission, the Judiciary, pro bono lawyers, civil society organisations, media practitioners, community leaders, persons with disabilities and individuals who shared experiences relating to civic space concerns.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Abia State Command, DSP Maureen Chioma Chinaka, represented the Command at the event and participated as a panelist during the session themed, “Security, Civic Freedom and Accountability: Closing the Gaps from Arrest to Remedy.”

The session provided an opportunity for the Police to clarify policing procedures, respond to concerns raised by stakeholders and reaffirm its commitment to professionalism, accountability and lawful conduct.

The dialogue also underscored the importance of sustained engagement, mutual trust and collaborative problem-solving among security agencies, civil society organisations, communities and other stakeholders.

The forum was described as solution-driven rather than adversarial, with participants seeking ways to promote a safer society while balancing legitimate security concerns with the protection of citizens’ rights.

The Abia State Police Command, in a statement, reiterated its commitment to intelligence-led and community-oriented policing, respect for human rights and continuous engagement with stakeholders to strengthen public trust and accountability.

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