The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), in collaboration with Operation Amani Boni (OAB) under the core sponsorship of the Government of Japan through the International Organization for Migration (IOM), conducted a community policing campaign and sensitization workshop in Hindi Ward, Lamu County.
This initiative aimed to strengthen cooperation between security agencies and local communities, enhance public awareness of security threats, and promote sustainable peace and stability in the region.
The workshop focused on the role of community members in security, emphasizing the importance of early warning systems, intelligence-sharing, and active participation in security matters.
Key stakeholders, including local leaders, youth representatives, and women groups, were engaged in discussions to ensure an inclusive and community-driven approach to countering insecurity.
As part of this initiative, NCTC organized a security forum to facilitate discussions on improving collaboration between national and county governments. The forum served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, identify security concerns, and develop solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced in the region.
Speaking during the forum, Deputy Director NCTC, Colonel Yahya Mohammed, emphasized the critical role that local communities play in ensuring security.
“The first step to having a secure environment within this area is the need or urge of the locals to make timely reporting to the security agencies and developing a working environment through local peace committees. The local populace is the first line of defence against terrorist groups,” he stated.
Colonel Mohammed further stressed the importance of building trust between security agencies and the local community, highlighting that effective counterterrorism efforts require an open flow of information and proactive involvement of local peace structures.
The sponsorship from the Government of Japan through IOM underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing security challenges in vulnerable regions. This support enhances the capacity of security agencies and community leaders to implement sustainable, community-driven security initiatives.
By empowering local communities with knowledge, resources, and structured engagement with security agencies, the initiative aims to strengthen resilience against violent extremism, improve policing strategies, and foster long-term peace in the Boni region.
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