The Nigeria Police Force has reaffirmed its commitment to combating corruption and tackling all forms of criminal activity across the country.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, DIG Zacharia Fera stated this during an operational visit to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
At a community engagement meeting held alongside the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Research and Planning, DIG Zango Baba, Fera called on residents of Borno State to support the Police by providing timely and credible information to assist in crime prevention and detection.
He gave members of the public the assurances that their identities would be protected.
According to Fera, “community intelligence remains a vital component of modern policing.”
“Community informants are critical to modern policing. When members of the public confide in the police, they make the job of securing society easier and more effective,” he said.
Fera stressed that the police could not succeed without the cooperation of the public.
“As stakeholders, the police cannot work without you because we need each other. It is for this reason that the Inspector-General of Police directed me to meet with you so that we can exchange ideas and work together towards effective policing in this state,” Fera stated.
He noted that the police rely heavily on information from residents to effectively combat crime.
“Without information from the public, the police cannot have the necessary guidance to secure the environment. This is why we are advocating the strengthening of community informant networks across Borno State,” Fera said.
The DIG reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to professionalism, accountability and excellence in service delivery.
“The information you provide will be treated with utmost confidentiality and in a manner that ensures it cannot be traced back to you. By giving valuable information to the police, you are not only helping yourselves but also contributing to the safety of your entire community,” he promised..
DIG Fera further urged residents to remain vigilant and pay close attention to suspicious movements and unfamiliar individuals within their communities.
“We have been constitutionally mandated to serve you. We are appealing for your collaboration because criminals do not live with the police; they live within communities. Therefore, if you see something, say something,” Fera said.
The DIG also conveyed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to strengthening strategic partnerships with communities and stakeholders, to enhance public trust, improve intelligence sharing and promote sustainable peace and security across the country.
In a separate meeting with officers and men of the Borno State Police Command, the visiting DIGs commended personnel for their resilience, dedication and sacrifices, particularly in the challenging security environment of the North-East.
They acknowledged the Command’s contributions to ongoing counter-insurgency and stabilisation efforts and encouraged officers to remain disciplined, professional and proactive in addressing emerging security threats through intelligence gathering and community engagement.
Among the dignitaries present were the Commandant of the Police College Maiduguri, AIG Usman Mu’azu Mohammed; the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 15 (Borno/Yobe), AIG Dahiru Mohammed; the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, CP Naziru Abdulmajid; representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), traditional and religious leaders, members of the media, and other key stakeholders.
