​Sokoto CP Shaffa takes IGP’s community policing drive on five-LGA operational tour

​From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

​In a major push to strengthen grassroots security and boost operational efficiency, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, has wrapped up an extensive multi-day operational tour across five Local Government Areas (LGAs).
​The tour—which covered Kebbe, Tambuwal, Shagari, Yabo, and Bodinga—directly aligns with the community policing directives issued by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
​According to a statement released by the command’s spokesperson, DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the tour combined rigorous police station inspections with interactive town hall meetings and high-level consultations with traditional rulers.
​CP Shaffa conducted unannounced spot checks at divisional headquarters, reviewing duty rosters, arms handling protocols, and distress call response times.
While praising officers for their resilience, he ordered immediate corrections where operational gaps were found.
The CP held closed-door sessions with Royal Fathers and community leaders, describing them as the vital “custodians of local intelligence.”
He urged them to help identify suspicious movements and de-escalate local conflicts early.
Addressing youth, women leaders, transport unions, and vigilante groups, the CP emphasized that citizens should view the police as partners rather than adversaries.
He reaffirmed a zero-tolerance policy for extortion and professional misconduct.
​Reinforcing the vision of IGP Disu, CP Shaffa explained that modern policing must prioritize crime prevention, dialogue, and shared responsibility over mere enforcement.
​“The IGP has given clear marching orders: every officer must become a community asset.
Today’s engagements are not ceremonial—they are operational. We are listening, and we will act,” he stated.
​The tour was widely lauded by local leaders. the Sarkin Kabin Kebbe, Alhaji Lawali Labbo Margay, noted that a visible command presence goes a long way in deterring criminals and reassuring law-abiding citizens.
Similar pledges of support and promises to revitalize neighborhood watch groups were made by stakeholders in Tambuwal and Shagari.
​Following the conclusion of the tour, the Commissioner of Police issued immediate directives to sustain the momentum that all Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs) must submit actionable community policing plans within seven days, incorporating the feedback gathered from the town hall meetings, and patrols must be immediately intensified along inter-LGA border corridors, with a particular focus on the Kebbe and Tambuwal axes.
​CP Shaffa concluded by appealing to the public to continue feeding the police and sister security agencies with timely, credible information to ensure rapid responses to criminal threats.