DIG calls for community support against banditry

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of Administration and Finance, Suleiman Muhammad Abdul, has called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community stakeholders to work closely with security agencies in tackling banditry, arms trafficking, kidnapping, and other criminal activities threatening peace in Nigeria’s North-West region.

Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement held in Sokoto on Monday, the senior police officer stressed that security cannot be achieved through law enforcement efforts alone. According to him, lasting peace requires the active participation of communities, local leaders, and citizens who understand the challenges within their environment.

Abdul noted that Sokoto State faces unique security concerns due to its proximity to the Niger Republic. He explained that the international border has made the state vulnerable to transnational crimes, including the illegal movement of arms and the activities of criminal networks operating across borders.

“Restrictions alone cannot solve the problem. We need grassroots intelligence, community cooperation, and the active involvement of our leaders and youths,” the DIG stated.

He urged traditional rulers to strengthen local intelligence gathering and maintain close communication with security agencies. He also encouraged religious leaders to continue promoting messages of peace, tolerance, and unity in their communities.

Addressing the youth population, Abdul appealed to young people to reject criminal activities and resist attempts by bandits and other criminal groups to recruit them.

“Our youths must reject the lure of banditry and criminality. They are the backbone of our communities, and their energy should be channelled into building peace,” he added.

The DIG assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening community policing and intelligence-led operations as part of broader efforts to improve security across the region.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayatu Usman, highlighted several achievements recorded by the command in recent months. According to him, police operatives have successfully recovered firearms and ammunition, rescued kidnapped victims, arrested criminal suspects, and recovered stolen livestock.

Despite these successes, Usman acknowledged that the command continues to face challenges, including manpower shortages, logistical difficulties, and the constantly changing tactics employed by criminal groups.

“Despite these challenges, our achievements have been possible through intelligence-driven operations and the support of stakeholders across the state,” he explained.

Security analysts believe the DIG’s appeal reflects the growing need for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies. As insecurity continues to affect parts of the North-West, many observers argue that grassroots intelligence and community participation remain critical tools in the fight against crime.

The latest engagement in Sokoto also highlights a growing consensus that security is a shared responsibility. With stronger cooperation among citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies, stakeholders hope the region can make meaningful progress in restoring peace and stability.