President of Lawyers Alert, Dr. Rommy Mom, has unveiled a new security framework, the People-Centred Public Safety (PCPS) Programme, aimed at strengthening collaboration between communities and formal security agencies in Benue State.
Speaking at a press conference in Makurdi, Mom described the initiative as a structured, rights-based model rooted in existing laws, particularly the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for community policing, intelligence sharing and public accountability.
He stressed that the programme is neither a vigilante system nor a parallel security outfit, but a lawful framework designed to place citizens – especially women, youth and vulnerable groups – at the centre of security governance.
He said that the initiative aligns with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the mandate of the Benue State Government to protect lives and property.
Mom noted that the programme was piloted in Katsina-Ala and Guma Local Government Areas, where Community Policing Committees, Early Warning and Early Response Hubs, and structured dialogue platforms between citizens and security agencies were established.
He said the pilot phase recorded improved information flow, faster response to threats, increased women’s participation in safety discussions and reduced mistrust between communities and security actors.
Following the pilot’s reported success, the programme has been expanded to Agatu Local Government Area, another conflict-affected community.
Mom disclosed that Governor Hyacinth Alia will formally launch the programme on February 24, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi.
He described the forthcoming launch as a sign of government ownership of the initiative and a commitment to institutionalising a collaborative approach to public safety.
Mom called on traditional leaders, youth and women groups, faith-based organisations and the media to support the initiative, stressing that security is a shared civic responsibility.
He added that the programme demonstrates that while Nigeria’s security architecture is federally structured, states can enhance coordination, intelligence gathering and trust-building to improve safety outcomes.
He commended the Benue State Government, security agencies and community leaders in Katsina-Ala, Guma and Agatu for their support, describing the initiative as “security with dignity” and a bridge between citizens and the state.
