PCRC to partner Emirs in combating criminality in Northern states – Chairman

PCRC to partner Emirs in combating criminality in Northern states – Chairman

The Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) says it will partner with Emirate Councils in Northern Nigeria to combat the increasing rate of criminal activities in the region.

A statement issued by the PCRC Media consultant, Malam Abdul Hassan, said the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Olaniyan, made this known when he paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabir Usman at his palace in Katsina.

He said already the PCRC had set up a committee to work out strategies and modalities for partnership with the Emirate Councils in view of the significance of traditional institutions in community policing.

“We are here to assist Police in combating criminal activities in the communities we represent.

“ Emirate Councils are the closest to the people, they know everything and everybody in the community as such they are the most crucial institution to partner with,’’ he said.

Olaniyan described the increasing rate of criminal activities, especially banditry and terrorism in the country, as unfortunate.

“ Your Highness, your intervention in this crusade is significant and indispensable. Much as we want to eradicate criminality, we must go back to the basics,’’ he said.

According to him, the partnership will provide a mechanism for direct intelligence gathering and sharing as well as facilitating smooth relationships between the police and communities.

He also told the emir that the committee was in the palace to brief him on the recent elections of new executive council members of the PCRC in zone 14, which has its headquarters in Katsina.

“ Your Highness, I am pleased to inform you that, Fagacin Katsina, Alhaji Iro Maikano, a Katsina Emirate Council member, was elected as Chairman With Alhaji Tukur Salisu Kakeyi as Deputy,” the chairman said.

Responding, the emir expressed delight for the Visit and pledged to support the committee.

“It is true that traditional rulers are the closest to the people, they are the eyes of the community, they monitor actions and inactions of the people.

“Until recently, their role and support were not neglected, otherwise the ongoing criminal activities would have been reduced to barest minimum,” he said.

The Emir commended PCRC for the consultation and desire to partner with Emirate councils in the region.

“I have been a member of PCRC for many years, and I want to assure that we’ll join hands together to salvage our communities,” Alhaji Abdulmumini said.

The National Executives later paid a similar visit to the AIG incharge of Zone 14, AIG Bello Shehu and the Commissioner of Police in Katsina state, CP Ali Fage.