From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police in-charge of North Central Zone, Nigeria, Isiaku Mohammed, has said that community policing remains the best basic tool that would help in keeping the people at the grassroots secured.
The DIGP made the declaration while speaking at the opening session of the Consultative Stakeholders Engagement on Security Matters, held at the Kogi State Police Command Headquarters, in Lokoja, on Monday.
Isiaku Mohammed who was in Kogi on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Disu Olantuji to assess security situation in the state, recommended community policing as lasting solution to the current security challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
He urged the people of Kogi to reject criminals and join hands with the security operatives in detecting their hiding places and networks
“Refuse them place to stay. Ensure that no hiding places for them and let us build trust and move together to defeat criminals in Kogi
“Communities should also cooperate in giving timely and credible information to security agents
“We are seeking for the support of Kogi people in the fight against bandits and kidnappers
“The youths that constitute majority population in the state should be constantly mentored on dangers of involvement in criminal acts. They should also be enlightened to desist from drug abuse as well as not allow themselves to be used to perpetrate crimes
Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State who spoke through the State Security Adviser, Commodore Jerry Omadara retired affirmed that his administration will continue to have zero tolerance for insecurity.
The Governor declared that Kogi government will never surrender to criminals terrorising the people across the state.
“We will not relent in the fight against bandits, terrorists and kidnappers untill they are brought to their knees
Ododo commended the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi for living above board in tackling security challenges since assumption of office in the last three months.
“Iam proud to say that efforts of the security operatives in the state towards the fight against bandits and kidnappers have been yielding positive results.
He described the security engagement as timely and welcome development at this time of life threatening in Kogi and Nigeria in general.
The Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi in his welcome address, noted that for any nation to overcome security challenges, requires collective efforts from everyone, hence the necessity of the ongoing Security Stakeholders Engagement Forum put in place for proper enlightenment of citizens on the subject matter.
He said that the strategic engagement visit of DIGP in Kogi would no doubt enhance service delivery and collaboration with relevant bodies
“It would also evaluate security architecture as well as strengthening Police Community Relations in Kogi State” Kankarofi said.
