2027: Police, ALGON, JMI re-strategise to tackle security threats in Sokoto

The Nigeria Police Force, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Justice Mission International have partnered to tackle security challenges and ensure peaceful conduct of 2027 general elections in Sokoto State.

The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto, CP Hayatu Hassan-Shaffa, stated this on Wednesday at a ‘Nationwide Security Sensitisation Workshop’ for local governments in Nigeria held in Sokoto.

He said proactive engagement with communities and political stakeholders was critical to securing the state ahead of the 2027 general elections amid rising security threats.

According to him, the timing of the workshop is crucial because Sokoto is increasingly facing security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

Hassan-Shaffa noted that, unlike some neighbouring states, Sokoto did not have established bandit camps, but expressed concern that criminals might now be attempting to settle in some localities.

“Most of the time they come in, operate, and flee. But now, we are afraid that they may be settling in some of our localities, and this is the beginning,” he warned.

The commissioner said the criminals targeted vulnerable communities, especially those with livestock.

“So, if you have animals, know their location and ensure adequate vigilance and inform the police. The police will always be there to assist you,” he assured.

Hassan-Shaffa stressed that security agencies could not succeed without community cooperation.

“A stranger cannot come in and strike in our homes and go out without the connivance of some of our people.

“We have some bad ones among us and they are the ones inviting the bandits,” he said.

The commissioner therefore, urged communities to profile strangers, monitor vigilante groups, and report suspicious persons to the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) for immediate action.

“Get committed people who will help. If you see a new face within the community, call us.

“Let’s profile these persons. The police will also profile the vigilantes because some of them are not good either,” he added.

He said that with the rainy season and elections approaching, the command wanted elections to take place in all parts of the state without any area being left out.

The commissioner further commended the Tambuwal local government Chairman and ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Abba Shehu-Tambuwal, for always reporting security threats to him.

In his remarks, the ALGON chairman said the partnership between the association and the police was timely.

Shehu-Tambuwal said there was no local government area in the state that was not facing security challenges and assured that the chairmen would develop a strong action plan to support the police and other security agencies in fighting banditry.

“As you have heard in the discussions and deliberations, including what the Commissioner of Police has said, we will meet after this session to come out with a strong modality to help the police and other security agencies,” he said.

He commended the commissioner for always responding whenever they report any security threats.

The newsmen report that the workshop was attended by all local government chairmen, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), among other stakeholders.