Sokoto Police, ALGON, Judiciary Partner to Tackle Insecurity, Ensure Peaceful 2027 Polls

From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto

The Sokoto State Police Command, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Judiciary have strengthened collaboration to tackle insecurity and promote peaceful conduct of the 2027 general elections in the state.

The Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, said proactive engagement with communities and political stakeholders remained critical to addressing emerging security threats and creating a conducive environment for elections.

Shaffa spoke on Wednesday in Sokoto at a security workshop organised for local government chairmen and other stakeholders.

The workshop, organised by the Nigeria Police Force, Judiciary and ALGON, focused on strengthening collaboration among relevant stakeholders to address security challenges at the grassroots.

According to the police commissioner, the timing of the workshop was significant as Sokoto continues to grapple with banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities.

“We have had meetings with political parties in the state. The electioneering has started and some campaigns are already on. So, we have to start thinking outside the box so that things will work,” Shaffa said.

He explained that, unlike some neighbouring states, Sokoto had not previously experienced established bandit camps but expressed concern that criminal groups could be attempting to establish bases in some communities.

“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.

Shaffa said livestock-owning communities were particularly vulnerable to attacks and urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly provide security agencies with information on suspicious activities.

He stressed that security agencies could not effectively combat crime without the cooperation of local communities, noting that criminals often depend on local collaborators for information and access.

The commissioner urged communities to monitor the activities of strangers and vigilante groups and report suspicious individuals to the police and Department of State Services (DSS).

“If you see a new face within the community, call us. Let’s profile this person. Police will always be there to profile the vigilantes because some of them are not good too,” he said.

Shaffa added that with the rainy season and the 2027 elections approaching, the command was determined to ensure that elections were conducted peacefully across all parts of Sokoto State.

Also speaking, Chairman of Tambuwal Local Government Area and Sokoto State ALGON Chairman, Alhaji Abba Shehu Tambuwal, described the partnership with the police and Judiciary as timely and important.

“This is a very important national workshop. It is not only ALGON. You can see even the Judiciary. This is nationwide,” Tambuwal said.

He acknowledged that no local government area was completely insulated from security challenges and assured that council chairmen would develop practical measures to support the police and other security agencies in tackling banditry and related crimes.

“We will meet after this session to come out with a very strong modality that we are going to use to help the police and other security agencies,” he said.

Tambuwal commended the Commissioner of Police for the initiative and urged stakeholders to translate the resolutions of the workshop into concrete measures capable of improving security and protecting communities across the state.