DIG reveals what Residents should do while Police, others fight banditry
DIG reveals what Residents should do while Police, others fight banditry
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Finance and Administration and Supervising the North-West, Suleiman Mohammad Abdul, has called on residents of Sokoto State to take a more active role in tackling insecurity through intelligence sharing, community vigilance and closer collaboration with security agencies.
Abdul made the appeal during an interactive meeting with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society groups, youth organisations and other stakeholders at the Sokoto State Police Command Headquarters.
He said the fight against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities requires the collective effort of both citizens and law enforcement agencies, stressing that security cannot be left solely in the hands of the police.
“We are here because security is not the responsibility of the police alone. It is a shared responsibility. While our officers confront criminals on the frontlines, lasting peace can only be achieved through united, vigilant and resilient communities,” he said.
The DIG described Sokoto as a historic centre of peace, justice and communal harmony, noting that the state’s strategic location makes it crucial to efforts aimed at restoring stability across the North-West and the country.
He warned that Sokoto’s expansive rural landscape and international border expose it to a range of security threats, including arms smuggling, cross-border crimes, infiltration by criminal elements and the activities of informants working for bandits and kidnappers.
According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is strengthening its engagement with communities through a renewed focus on public trust, grassroots intelligence gathering and citizen participation in crime prevention.
Abdul urged traditional rulers to remain alert and report suspicious activities within their domains, while calling on religious leaders to continue promoting peace and discouraging young people from joining criminal groups.
He also challenged youths to reject criminality and instead participate in community policing initiatives and neighbourhood security programmes.
Addressing members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and civil society organisations, the DIG called for stronger public engagement and efforts to deepen trust between citizens and security agencies.
“Let us build a Sokoto where farmers can cultivate their lands without fear, where criminals find no sanctuary, where informants have no hiding place and where the police and the people stand shoulder to shoulder in defence of peace and development,” he added.
