The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Administration and Finance, Suleiman Muhammad Abdul, has urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths and community groups in Sokoto State to take a more active role in supporting security agencies in the fight against banditry, arms trafficking and other crimes threatening the Northwest region.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement in Sokoto on Monday, the DIG, who is coordinating police activities in the Northwest, said security agencies alone could not overcome the region’s security challenges without the active support of local communities.
“The fight against insecurity cannot be won by security agencies alone. While our officers remain on the frontline confronting criminal elements, lasting peace can only be achieved when communities actively support law enforcement through vigilance, timely information sharing and collective responsibility,” he said.
Abdul described Sokoto as a strategically important state due to its international border with the Niger Republic and its status as the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate, warning that border communities remain vulnerable to cross-border crimes and the movement of armed groups.
“Sokoto occupies a unique strategic position in Nigeria’s security architecture. Its extensive border with the Niger Republic presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly in relation to arms trafficking, movement of criminal elements and other transnational crimes,” the DIG stated.
He called on traditional rulers to strengthen grassroots intelligence networks, religious leaders to use their platforms to discourage violence and criminality, and youths to resist recruitment by criminal gangs.
He stated, “Traditional institutions remain the closest link to the people. We urge our revered traditional rulers to continue providing credible intelligence and mobilising their communities against criminal activities.
“Religious leaders must continue to preach peace, tolerance and respect for the law, while our youths must reject the lure of criminality and become ambassadors of peace in their communities.”
The DIG emphasised that the Nigeria Police Force would continue to prioritise community policing, intelligence-led operations and closer collaboration with residents as part of efforts to improve security across Sokoto and the wider Northwest.
“Community policing remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime. We are committed to strengthening partnerships with citizens because security is a shared responsibility and everyone has a role to play,” he added.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Usman, highlighted recent achievements recorded by the command, including the recovery of firearms and ammunition, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal suspects and recovery of stolen livestock.
According to him, the command’s successes were made possible through intelligence-driven operations and support from stakeholders across the state.
“Despite the security challenges confronting the state, the command has continued to record significant operational successes, including the recovery of weapons, rescue of victims and arrest of criminal elements involved in various offences,” the commissioner said.
He, however, identified logistics constraints, manpower shortages and the evolving tactics of criminal groups as some of the challenges facing the command.
“We are facing increasingly sophisticated criminal networks, and addressing these threats requires sustained support, adequate logistics and stronger collaboration between security agencies and members of the public,” Usman noted.
The police commissioner also expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Government and other stakeholders for their continued support.
The meeting ended with participants reaffirming their commitment to strengthening cooperation with law enforcement agencies and supporting efforts aimed at enhancing security and sustaining peace across Sokoto State and the Northwest region.
“We must remain united against all forms of criminality. Through cooperation, trust and shared commitment, we can build safer and more secure communities for future generations,” the DIG added.
Sokoto state and other parts of the Northwest have faced persistent security challenges in recent years, including banditry, kidnapping for ransom, cattle rustling and the proliferation of illegal arms.
The insecurity has led to loss of lives, displacement of communities and disruption of economic activities, particularly in rural areas.