The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Suleiman Mohammad Abdul, has called on residents of Sokoto State to play a more active role in tackling insecurity by improving community vigilance, intelligence sharing and cooperation with security agencies.
Abdul made the appeal during an interactive meeting with community leaders, civil society organisations, religious figures, youth groups and other stakeholders at the Sokoto State Police Command Headquarters. He stressed that the battle against banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities cannot be won by law enforcement agencies alone.
“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.
Describing Sokoto as the historic seat of the Caliphate and a symbol of peace and justice, the DIG noted that the state remains strategically important in efforts to improve North-West security. He also conveyed the goodwill of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, while highlighting the importance of public participation in fighting crime.
Abdul warned that Sokoto’s extensive border with neighbouring countries and its vast rural areas create opportunities for illegal arms trafficking, cross-border crimes and the movement of criminal elements. He said the Nigeria Police Force is focusing on rebuilding public trust, strengthening community policing and disrupting criminal networks through citizen involvement.
He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders and youths to remain vigilant, promote peace and reject all forms of criminality. He also encouraged support for neighbourhood watch programmes and other community-based security initiatives.
Meanwhile, Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, praised the DIG’s visit and outlined achievements recorded since March. According to him, police operations recovered several firearms and ammunition, rescued 32 kidnapping victims, recovered 310 rustled animals, neutralised four bandits and arrested three suspected informants.
Shaffa, however, identified manpower shortages, logistical constraints and emerging cybercrime threats as major challenges facing the command. He commended the state government, traditional institutions and community stakeholders for supporting community policing efforts and improving security collaboration across Sokoto.
