Support Group, WTP Proposes Digital Reporting Portal To Foster Policing Trust In Cross River

By Sylvia Akpan

As part of ways to rebuild trust between citizens and law enforcement agencies, a civil society organization, We The People, has presented a policy proposal to the Cross River State Police Police Command, seeking approval to establish a Youth Reporting Portal (YRP).

The proposal was formally submitted on March 24, 2026, during an advocacy visit to the State Commissioner of Police CP Rashid Afegbua, under the framework of the #IncludeNaija Project, an initiative aimed at strengthening community policing through technology-driven engagement and accountability.

Speaking during the visit, the Head of Office for We The People, Comrade Ukeme Ekong, commended CP Rashid Afegbua, for his openness to youth-focused initiatives and constructive engagement. He described the Police Commissioner as “youth-friendly” and receptive to ideas that promote cooperation and mutual trust.

Addressing the issue of the growing trust deficit, Assistant Commissioner of Police, ACP Juliet Wilson, emphasized that trust remains central to effective policing. While noting that citizens rely on the police in times of crisis. She questioned the persistent skepticism toward law enforcement agencies, particularly the long-standing belief that “the police is your friend.”

Providing further insight into the proposal, the Project Manager, Austin Vicker, explained that the initiative stems from a series of strategic consultations conducted in Akpabuyo, Bakassi, and Calabar.

According to him, these engagements revealed widespread distrust among youths, largely driven by concerns over systemic profiling, harassment based on appearance or possession of digital devices, and alleged human rights abuses.

He noted that despite possessing valuable information on crimes such as cultism and kidnapping, many young people are reluctant to approach police stations due to fears of wrongful detention or victimization.

Vickers emphasized that the proposed Youth Reporting Portal will function as a secure and anonymous communication channel, incorporating a toll-free hotline and a dedicated intelligence desk to facilitate real-time reporting and information sharing between youths and the police.

We The People also pledged to fully fund the establishment and maintenance of the toll-free line, alongside implementing a statewide awareness campaign to encourage youth participation and build confidence in the system.

Responding, the Commissioner of Police, CP Rashid Afegbua, commended the organization for what he described as a thoughtful and timely initiative.

The state Police Boss encouraged citizens, particularly young people, to be proactive in sharing information, stressing the importance of the principle “If you see something, say something.”

CP Rashid approved the initiative and assured the group of the Command’s support and collaboration toward its successful implementation.

The visit featured the presentation of a commemorative frame to the Commissioner of Police in recognition of his unwavering support, youth-friendly policing approach, and commitment to human rights compliance.

It also included deliberations on practical strategies for institutionalizing these dialogue platforms to reduce friction and enhance community-based intelligence gathering and sharing.

The meeting was attended by members of the Command Management Team and that of We The People.