Police, CAN, NUJ Forge Security Partnership in Sokoto
The Nigeria Police Force Sokoto State Command has strengthened its collaboration with key stakeholders including the Christian Association of Nigeria, the Correspondent Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, and the Weights and Measures Department of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to enhance community-based security across the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, hosted the tripartite delegation at the Command Headquarters in Sokoto on Wednesday, where discussions focused on adopting non-kinetic approaches to address emerging security challenges.
Speaking during the meeting, the police commissioner stressed the importance of faith-based organisations in intelligence gathering and conflict prevention. He described the Sokoto chapter of CAN, led by James Kayode, as a strategic partner in building trust between security agencies and local communities.
Rev. Kayode reaffirmed CAN’s readiness to mobilise religious leaders as peace ambassadors while promoting dialogue and providing credible information to security agencies.
The CP also acknowledged the role of the media in promoting public awareness and accountability. He described the Correspondent Chapel of the NUJ, led by Ankali Emmanuel, as both a partner in public sensitisation and a watchdog for transparency within the security sector.
Emmanuel pledged responsible journalism that would support security reforms and encourage citizens’ participation in crime prevention efforts.
In another dimension of the partnership, the Weights and Measures Department highlighted the link between economic crimes and insecurity. The police commissioner noted that fraudulent trading practices, smuggling, and hoarding contribute to economic sabotage capable of threatening public stability.
He disclosed that the partnership would support joint enforcement operations aimed at protecting consumers and dismantling illicit trade networks operating in the state.
The commissioner further called on other civil society organisations to embrace collaboration with security agencies, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through collective responsibility.
