DIG Tours Sokoto, Reviews Security Operations, Strengthens Anti-Banditry Strategy
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Finance and Administration and Supervising DIG for the North-West geopolitical zone, DIG Sulaiman Muhammad Abdul, has concluded a comprehensive operational tour of Sokoto State aimed at assessing ongoing security operations, strengthening anti-banditry efforts, and enhancing collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
The high-level visit formed part of the Nigeria Police Force’s ongoing strategy to consolidate gains against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes across the North-West region.
The DIG, who was accompanied by senior police officers, was received on arrival by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 10, AIG Augustine G. Grimah, the Commissioner of Police, Sokoto State Command, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, members of the command’s management team and heads of other security agencies operating in the state.
A major highlight of the visit was a security stakeholders’ engagement involving traditional rulers, community leaders, youth representatives and women groups, where participants reviewed the prevailing security situation and explored measures for improving intelligence gathering and community participation in policing.
During the interactive session, stakeholders raised concerns about security challenges affecting communities and proposed practical solutions aimed at enhancing local resilience against criminal activities.
Among the recommendations advanced was the need for Nigerian herders to embrace ranching as a sustainable approach to addressing recurring farmer-herder conflicts, which have continued to fuel insecurity in parts of the country.
In his briefing, CP Shaffa presented an overview of security operations in Sokoto State over the past three months, highlighting notable successes recorded in the fight against banditry and other crimes through intelligence-led policing and inter-agency collaboration.
He also outlined key operational and logistical challenges confronting the command and appealed for additional support to sustain ongoing security operations.
Similarly, AIG Grimah commended the DIG for the visit and requested the deployment of advanced surveillance and intelligence-gathering equipment to enhance operational effectiveness across Zone 10.
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Responding, DIG Abdul reaffirmed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police to strengthening security architecture in the North-West through community-based policing, improved intelligence capabilities and enhanced operational support for frontline personnel.
The DIG stressed that sustainable security could only be achieved through stronger partnerships between security agencies and local communities.
As part of the operational assessment, he addressed officers and men of the Sokoto State Command, urging them to uphold professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights while carrying out their duties.
He reminded personnel that public trust remains critical to the success of policing operations and encouraged them to maintain the highest standards of conduct in their engagements with citizens.
In a move that underscored the Force’s commitment to personnel welfare, the DIG visited the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto, where he met with Police Constable Abdulrazak Muhammad, who is receiving treatment after sustaining gunshot wounds during a fierce encounter with bandits in Tureta Local Government Area on June 21.
DIG Abdul commended the injured officer for his courage and sacrifice in the line of duty and assured him of the Force’s continued support throughout his recovery.
The tour also featured an inspection of security arrangements at the Police Children School, Farfaru, where the DIG assessed measures put in place to safeguard pupils and staff.
To deepen cooperation between the police and traditional institutions, the DIG paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, at his palace.
During the meeting, both leaders discussed ways of strengthening collaboration between the Police Force and traditional rulers in tackling emerging security threats, promoting intelligence sharing and sustaining peace across Sokoto State and the wider North-West region.
Security analysts noted that the operational tour reflects the growing emphasis by the Nigeria Police Force on combining kinetic operations with community engagement, intelligence-driven policing and stakeholder partnerships in addressing the region’s complex security challenges.
The visit, they said, also demonstrates the commitment of the police leadership to maintaining a strong field presence, supporting frontline officers and ensuring that security strategies remain responsive to realities on the ground.
By PRNigeria
