The Nigeria Police has called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth groups, and other stakeholders to enhance security and tackle criminal activities across Sokoto State.
Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of North West, DIG Suleiman Abdul, made the call during a strategic engagement and town hall lecture with stakeholders and senior police officers in Sokoto State.
DIG Abdul emphasised that security remains a collective responsibility that requires active participation from all members of society.
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He conveyed the goodwill message of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, assuring stakeholders of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property through inclusive and people-centred policing strategies.
According to him, police personnel would continue to confront bandits and other criminal elements towards ensuring lasting peace and security.
DIG Abdul identified Sokoto State’s vast international borders and expansive rural terrain as major security challenges, noting that the state remains vulnerable to the infiltration of illegal arms, cross-border banditry, rural attacks, and the activities of local informants who aid criminal groups.
To address these threats, he disclosed that police officers would intensify “Handshake Patrols” across neighbouring states, particularly Kebbi and Zamfara, to deny criminals safe havens.
He also revealed that the Police had ordered a comprehensive audit of operational assets and strengthened its newly remodelled Violent Crime Response Unit (VCRU) to respond swiftly to emerging threats.
He added that efforts were ongoing to revitalise the Complaints Response Unit to ensure accountability and improve public confidence.
He further urged residents to provide timely and credible intelligence, noting that bandits and arms traffickers often operate within communities and can only be effectively tracked through community cooperation.
“Bandits and arms smugglers are not ghosts; they live, eat and move among us. When you see something unusual, say something.
“We assure you that intelligence provided would be treated confidentially and acted upon promptly,” he stated.
Addressing various stakeholder groups, DIG Abdul called on traditional rulers to monitor movements within their domains and report suspicious activities, while urging religious leaders to use their platforms to discourage criminality and youth involvement in banditry.
He also challenged young people to resist recruitment by criminal gangs and instead participate actively in community policing initiatives and neighbourhood watch programmes.
The DIG further tasked members of the Police Community Relations Committee with strengthening engagement between communities and law enforcement agencies to ensure grievances are addressed promptly and security gaps are bridged.
He noted that the Inspector-General of Police had acknowledged the sacrifices and courage of officers in the ongoing fight against crime, adding that such efforts would yield greater results with the support of traditional institutions, religious leaders, youth groups, the media, and other stakeholders.
DIG Abdul called on all residents of Sokoto State to work together in building a safer society where criminal elements find no refuge, illegal arms trafficking is curtailed, and communities and security agencies operate as partners in maintaining peace and stability.
He expressed optimism that through collective action, Sokoto would continue to strengthen its reputation as a land of peace, justice, and communal harmony.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner of Police (CP), Mr Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, Sokoto State Command, said that the DIG’s visit formed a significant milestone towards enhancing police operations.
CP Shaffa appreciated the unwavering commitment of the IGP towards the modernisation and professionalisation of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to him, Sokoto State remains a critical trade corridor in Nigeria, sharing local and international borders, thereby making it vulnerable to some security challenges.
He also stated that Sokoto State is a spiritual hub in Nigeria, being the home of the Sultan of Sokoto, the head of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
The Police Commissioner applauded the Sokoto State Government for its sustained provision of operational vehicles and financial support to the command.
