Sokoto elders and young people called upon to help combat outlawry by police deputy inspector general

Suleiman Muhammad Abdul, the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Administration and Finance, has called upon traditional rulers, religious leaders, youths, and community groups in Sokoto State to play a more proactive role in supporting security agencies as they combat banditry, arms trafficking, and other crimes plaguing the Northwest region.

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During a stakeholders' engagement in Sokoto on Monday, Abdul emphasized that security agencies cannot single-handedly overcome the region's security challenges without the active support of local communities, highlighting the need for collective effort to achieve lasting peace.

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Abdul noted that while security personnel are at the forefront of confronting criminal elements, the fight against insecurity requires the active participation of communities through vigilance, information sharing, and collective responsibility to be won.

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The DIG described Sokoto as a crucial state due to its international border with the Niger Republic and its status as the seat of the Sokoto Caliphate, warning that border communities are vulnerable to cross-border crimes and the movement of armed groups.

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According to Abdul, Sokoto's 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, making its strategic position in Nigeria's security architecture unique.

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Abdul urged 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, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in preventing crimes.

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The DIG stated that traditional institutions remain the closest link to the people, and he urged revered traditional rulers to continue providing credible intelligence and mobilizing their communities against criminal activities.

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Abdul also called upon religious leaders to preach peace, tolerance, and respect for the law, while urging youths to reject the lure of criminality and become ambassadors of peace in their communities, promoting a message of peace and unity.

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The Nigeria Police Force, according to Abdul, will continue to prioritize community policing, intelligence-led operations, and closer collaboration with residents as part of efforts to improve security across Sokoto and the wider Northwest region.

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Abdul emphasized that community policing remains one of the most effective tools for preventing crime, and the police force is committed to strengthening partnerships with citizens, as security is a shared responsibility that requires everyone's involvement.

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Earlier, Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Usman, highlighted the command's recent achievements, including the recovery of firearms and ammunition, rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal suspects, and recovery of stolen livestock.

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Usman attributed the command's successes to intelligence-driven operations and support from stakeholders across the state, noting that despite the security challenges confronting the state, the command has continued to record significant operational successes.

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However, Usman identified logistics constraints, manpower shortages, and the evolving tactics of criminal groups as some of the challenges facing the command, emphasizing the need for sustained support and adequate logistics to address these threats.

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Usman expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, the Sokoto State Government, and other stakeholders for their continued support, recognizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing security and sustaining peace across the region.

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The meeting concluded 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.

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Abdul emphasized the need for unity against all forms of criminality, stating that through cooperation, trust, and shared commitment, it is possible to build safer and more secure communities for future generations.

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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, resulting in loss of lives, displacement of communities, and disruption of economic activities.