The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Adekimi Ojo, has urged young people across the state to take an active role in security, emphasizing that effective law enforcement relies on public trust, accountability, and collaboration between security agencies and citizens.

CP Ojo made the call in Ilorin on Thursday during the 2026 Police-Youth Interactive Forum, tagged "The Police and You," organized by the Kwara State Police Command.

Held under the theme "Understanding Our Rights: Building Trust, Strengthening Community Security, and Promoting Peaceful Elections," the forum created a platform for young residents to engage senior police officers on security concerns, constitutional rights, and operational practices.

The Commissioner stated that the initiative aligns with the community-oriented policing vision of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, focusing on professionalism, transparency, and public partnership.

He explained that the physical town hall was organized following concerns previously raised by youths across radio programs and social media channels like TikTok.

"The command considered it necessary to move beyond online conversations and create an opportunity for direct interaction, exchange of ideas, and practical solutions to challenges affecting police-community relations. Today is a victory for your voices. You have asked questions, expressed concerns, offered suggestions, and challenged us to do better," CP Ojo stated.

Reaffirming the command's mandate to protect lives and property, the CP noted that police officers are making sacrifices to combat kidnapping, armed robbery, and cultism across Kwara State. He asserted that policing standards must be measured not only by crime prevention and arrests, but also by public confidence and respect for human rights.

Earlier in the program, police legal practitioner Barr. Adekunle Iwalaye presented a paper titled "Police Constitutional Duties and Citizens' Rights," outlining the statutory limits of police powers, lawful search and arrest procedures, and mechanisms for reporting officer misconduct.

The interactive session also featured presentations and oversight briefings from representatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).