CIA, ECAPI Intensify Community Intelligence Training to Strengthen Grassroots Security in Lagos

CIA, ECAPI Intensify Community Intelligence Training to Strengthen Grassroots Security in Lagos

Lagos, Nigeria – The Community Intelligence Agency (CIA) and the Eagle Crime Awareness and Prevention Initiative (ECAPI) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening grassroots security through specialized intelligence training for community youths across Lagos State. The National Training Coordinator of CIA and Lagos State Commander of ECAPI, Ambassador Detective Reagan Onoachinonso, said the initiative is designed to equip young people with the skills needed to identify, report and prevent emerging security threats within their communities.

Speaking during the 3-day Community Intelligence Training Programme in Lagos, Onoachinonso emphasized that the increasing involvement of youths in illegal activities requires proactive engagement, education, and a functional partnership with security agencies—especially the Nigeria Police Force.

“Rome was not built in a day, and the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. What we have done today is to take that step by gathering our youths and empowering them with knowledge. Through this programme, we are extending our message to other communities and assisting the Nigeria Police, who cannot fight insecurity alone,” he said.

According to him, the synergy between CIA, ECAPI, and the Police Intelligence Department has already yielded significant success in crime detection and prevention.

“If you walk into the hall, you will see our banner showing success stories of the Nigeria Police. Many of the criminals arrested were apprehended through credible intelligence from community members. The police alone cannot know every corner of our communities—but the people who live there do,” he added.

Onoachinonso further charged participants to take the lessons beyond the training hall:

“We are not here to collect ID cards and certificates. We are here to learn the right process of receiving and sharing intelligence. Once you graduate, you must return to your communities to work closely with the police and other security agencies. When you see something, say something—and ensure it is reported properly.”

 

Participants Commend Training, Highlight Impact on Crime Reduction

Several participants and security experts praised the initiative for deepening community safety awareness and improving intelligence reporting across localities.

Detective Feyisola Bello, one of the attendees, described the programme as transformative:

“This is more than a course; it is an improvement on what we need to know about community intelligence. Fighting crime comes from the heart—you must be focused and committed. I love the way the facilitators broke down the strategies. They spoke brilliantly, without bias, and I learned a lot.”

He added that the turnout and dedication of participants show their readiness to apply the knowledge professionally.

“I have attended more than 74 trainings in my life, but here everyone sat down and listened. That means the truth is being told and people want to use this knowledge to help their communities.”

Detective Joy Ogbeide stressed that information remains the most powerful tool in combating insecurity:

“Information is key. With every new insight, you become more aware of your environment. The training has been very impactful. I now understand the do’s and don’ts of intelligence reporting, how to identify threats, and how to handle sensitive information without compromising sources.”

She encouraged more Nigerians to participate in such initiatives.

“This is a training every responsible citizen should aspire to take. It will help you at home, at work, and in the community.”

Security Experts Call for Better Collaboration With Government

Detective Ajisebutu Kolawole Jamiu explained that the training strengthens the bridge between security operatives and grassroots structures:

“We are more or less assistants to the police. With this knowledge, we can ensure our communities are more secured, crime is controlled, and intelligence is shared faster.”

His team plans to replicate the training at their headquarters to spread the knowledge across more divisions.

Meanwhile, Dr. Yetunde Cardoso emphasized that national security begins with civilians:

“If we fail to cooperate with security agencies, there will always be problems. Security begins with each one of us. Once you gather important information, send it to the right authority. That is how we can all contribute to peace.”

The Bigger Goal: Building a New Security Culture

The ongoing training aligns with the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed focus on intelligence-led policing, which relies heavily on community participation. By equipping volunteers and local youth with the right skills, CIA and ECAPI aim to create a network of trained civilian intelligence agents capable of supporting law enforcement agencies in early detection of crime.

Organizers believe this grassroots approach will lead to sustained crime reduction, safer neighborhoods, and improved trust between residents and security institutions.