DIG urges citizens’ support in fight against banditry

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Administration and Finance and Supervising the North-West, Suleiman Mohammad Abdul, has called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and community groups in Sokoto State to take greater ownership of security by strengthening community vigilance, intelligence sharing and collaboration with law enforcement agencies.

Abdul made the call during an interactive meeting with stakeholders at the Sokoto State Police Command Headquarters.

The DIG said the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality cannot be won by security agencies alone.

He stressed that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective commitment and cooperation between citizens and security institutions.

Describing Sokoto as the historic seat of the Caliphate and a symbol of peace, justice and communal harmony, the DIG said the state occupies a strategic position in efforts to restore security across the North-West and the country at large.

Abdul conveyed the goodwill of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Tunji Disu, noting that the police leadership recognises the critical role communities play in combating crime and violence.

“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 warned that Sokoto’s extensive international border and vast rural terrain present unique security challenges, including cross-border crimes, illegal arms trafficking, infiltration by criminal elements and the activities of informants aiding bandits and other violent groups.

According to him, the Nigeria Police Force is repositioning its relationship with communities around three key priorities: rebuilding public trust, strengthening community-based intelligence gathering and dismantling criminal networks through active citizen participation.

He urged traditional rulers to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities within their domains, describing them as custodians of culture and authorities closest to the grassroots.

Abdul also appealed to religious leaders to promote peace, condemn violence and discourage young people from being recruited into criminal groups or serving as informants for bandits and kidnappers.

Addressing youths, he urged them to reject criminality and channel their energies into productive ventures, community policing initiatives and neighbourhood watch programmes.

The DIG further challenged members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) and civil society organisations to deepen public engagement, strengthen trust between citizens and security agencies and encourage lawful resolution of grievances.

“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 said.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, described the DIG’s visit as a significant boost to efforts aimed at enhancing operational effectiveness and administrative efficiency within the command.

Shaffa noted that Sokoto’s international border with the Niger Republic and its proximity to neighbouring states make it a vital economic corridor while also presenting complex security challenges that require sustained vigilance.

He also highlighted the state’s religious and historical significance as the home of Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, whose leadership, he said, continues to promote peace, dialogue and social cohesion across the country.

Reviewing the command’s achievements since assuming office in March, Shaffa disclosed that police operations had led to the recovery of seven AK-47 rifles, four locally fabricated rifles, three locally made pistols, 12 Dane guns, 153 rounds of ammunition and 15 magazines.

He further revealed that 310 rustled animals were recovered, 32 kidnapped victims rescued, four bandits neutralised and three suspected informants arrested, while several other suspects linked to various crimes were apprehended.

The commissioner, however, identified manpower shortages, logistical challenges, inadequate operational equipment and emerging cybercrime threats as issues requiring urgent attention.

Shaffa expressed appreciation to the Sokoto State Government, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders for their continued support, noting that the provision of patrol vehicles, financial assistance and intelligence cooperation had significantly strengthened the command’s operations.

The event ended with an interactive session during which community leaders and representatives of various organisations exchanged views with the DIG and senior police officers on strategies for improving security, intelligence gathering and public trust across Sokoto State.