Felix Mbata, Lagos state
Security in Nigeria cannot be outsourced to uniforms alone. It must be built on trust between citizens, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and law enforcement. That was the central message on Thursday 21st May, 2026 as the SPDN Search Light Initiative and SPDN Intelligence Collaboration Community Policing – Watchdog Corp unveiled its new insignia and hosted a forum on Strengthening Security: Citizen Partnership for Inter-Ethnic Cohesion and Peaceful Co-existence in Lagos.
Deputy Chairman of the National Governing Council, Chief Daniel Anolue, delivered the vote of thanks and said the event marked a turning point in making policing people-centred.
The gathering brought together a broad coalition: distinguished dignitaries and government representatives, traditional rulers, religious leaders, heads of security agencies, community and ethnic association leaders, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and the press.
Chief Anolue told the audience that the day’s success rested on their collective presence. “Today’s gathering was about building bridges between security and citizens and strengthening the bonds that hold our diverse communities together. That vision would have remained an idea without the support and presence of everyone here,” he said.
He acknowledged government officials for honouring the invitation, noting that their endorsement “gives weight to the work we are doing.”
To traditional and religious leaders, he said: “You are the custodians of culture, trust, and moral guidance. Thank you for lending your voice and influence to promote unity and dialogue among your people.”
Security agency representatives were praised for engaging openly with the community. “Your willingness to listen and collaborate is proof that modern policing must be people-centred,” Anolue stated.
Community and ethnic leaders were also commended for representing grassroots voices. “Lasting peace starts with you,” he told them.
Partners, sponsors, and volunteers received appreciation for providing the resources, time, and energy that made the event possible. The media was thanked for documenting proceedings and “helping carry this message beyond these walls.”
Addressing all attendees, Anolue stressed that the dialogue must continue beyond the hall: “Thank you for your attention, your contributions, and your commitment to peaceful co-existence. The conversation we’ve had today must not end here. Let us take it back to our communities and turn it into action.”
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Watchdog Corp’s new insignia. Anolue said the emblem should serve as a constant reminder that “accountability and service go hand in hand,” and pledged that the organization would uphold the trust placed in it.
He concluded by asking forgiveness for any omissions: “If I have failed to mention anyone by name, please know it was not intentional. Every role, big or small, mattered today.”
Conclusively, the unveiling of Watchdog Corp’s insignia and the inter-ethnic cohesion forum signal a deliberate shift from confrontation to collaboration in Nigeria’s security architecture.
By bringing traditional rulers, religious leaders, ethnic groups, and security agencies to one table, Search Light Initiative is pushing the idea that peace is built at the grassroots, not only in police stations.
As Chief Anolue put it, the new insignia stands for accountability and service. If citizens and officers keep that standard, the promise of safer, more united communities moves from speech to reality.