The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, has intensified grassroots security engagements across five Local Government Areas as part of efforts to strengthen community policing and improve operational effectiveness.
The operational tour covered Kebbe, Tambuwal, Shagari, Yabo and Bodinga Local Government Areas.
The exercise, according to the Sokoto State Police Command, is in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at deepening community policing and improving operational efficiency across the country.
During the multi-day tour, the Commissioner visited police divisions, held townhall meetings with residents and engaged traditional rulers as well as other stakeholders to assess security situations and strengthen collaboration between the Police and local communities.
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Speaking during the engagements, CP Shaffa stressed the need for sustained cooperation between residents and security agencies, describing community policing as a shared responsibility.
He encouraged traditional rulers and community leaders to support the Police with credible intelligence and help address conflicts before they escalate into security threats.
The Commissioner also inspected police divisions across the affected LGAs, where he conducted spot checks on operational procedures, including duty rosters, handling of arms and response to distress calls.
He commended officers for their commitment while directing immediate action to address identified lapses.
At various townhall meetings attended by youths, women groups, transport unions and vigilante members, CP Shaffa reassured residents of the command’s zero tolerance for extortion, intimidation and other forms of misconduct by officers.
He noted that the community policing model championed by the Inspector-General places emphasis on prevention, dialogue and partnership with citizens to improve security outcomes.
According to him, the ongoing engagements were designed to ensure officers become trusted partners in safeguarding communities and responding effectively to local concerns.
The District Head of Kebbe, Alhaji Lawali Labbo Margay, commended the Police Commissioner for the proactive visit, saying visible leadership presence boosts public confidence and discourages criminal activities.
Similar support was also expressed by stakeholders in Tambuwal and Shagari, who pledged to strengthen local neighborhood watch efforts.
At the end of the tour, CP Shaffa directed Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers to submit practical community policing plans within seven days, incorporating concerns raised during the meetings.
He also ordered intensified patrols along inter-local government border areas, particularly in Kebbe and Tambuwal, to improve security and prevent criminal activities.
The Police Commissioner appealed to residents to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to ensure prompt response and effective policing across the state.
