New Sokoto Police Commissioner Promises Tough Action Against Insecurity
The newly deployed Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayyatu Shafa, has pledged decisive action to tackle banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping across the state.
Speaking at the State Command headquarters during his official resumption on Monday, Shafa said restoring peace and public safety would be his top priority.
He thanked the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Service Commission for the confidence placed in him, describing Sokoto as a historically significant state that must be safeguarded.
Shafa noted that insecurity has caused loss of lives, displacement of communities, and economic disruption, stressing that urgent and coordinated action is needed.
To confront the situation, he unveiled a three-point strategy focused on intelligenceled policing, stronger community collaboration, and improved synergy with other security agencies.
The commissioner said the command would adopt modern policing tools to proactively prevent crime, while also deepening engagement with residents to enhance trust and information sharing.
He added that cooperation would be strengthened with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure a unified response to security threats.
Shafa further outlined plans to boost patrols in both urban and rural communities, intensify targeted operations against criminal groups, and introduce measures to protect vulnerable populations.
He also promised regular performance assessments within the command to promote accountability and efficiency.
Commending officers for their dedication, the CP urged them to remain professional and committed despite the challenges ahead.
He announced plans to partner with the National Orientation Agency and the media on public awareness campaigns, as well as youth engagement programmes aimed at strengthening police community relations.
Calling for collective responsibility, Shafa urged traditional and religious leaders, as well as residents, to support ongoing efforts to restore lasting peace in the state.
Sokoto has continued to grapple with security challenges in recent years, with recurring cases of banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks affecting several communities despite ongoing operations by security agencies.
