Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, Mr Samuel Musa, has solicited the support and cooperation of traditional rulers to effectively combat crime in the state.
SP Nafi’u Abubakar, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the state police command, quoted the commissioner as saying this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi yesterday.
Musa made the call when he paid a courtesy visit on the Emir of Gwandu and Chairman, Kebbi State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar at the Abdullahi Fodio Palace in Birnin Kebbi.
He explained that the visit was in compliance with the directives of the Acting Inspector general of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, to strengthen collaboration with major stakeholders.
The police chief said collaboration with traditional institutions was necessary in view of the critical role of the royal fathers in maintaining peace and unity amongst their subjects.
While expressing gratitude to the Emir for the warmth reception accorded to him and his entourage, Musa said he was at the palace to introduce himself to the emir as a newly posted commissioner of police in the command.
He added that he was also at the palace to seek royal blessings as well as to appeal to the Emir to extend his kind gesture, support and cooperation as done to his predecessors.
“This is because the importance of the royal fathers in policing our community cannot be over emphasised, more especially with present security challenges in the country,” he said.
The poluce commissioner also told the emir that the Acting IG-P with the assistance of Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi state, had graciously provided the state command with highly sophisticated operational assets.
He said the gesture was with a view to be deployed to Southern part of the state to eliminate bandits, who usually infiltrate into the state, commit havoc and escape back to their hideouts in the neighbouring states.
Responding, the Emir said: “CP, you are lucky to be in the police serving your people and protecting your country’’.
He assured Musa that the palace would continue to support and cooperate with him in all ramifications, while praying for his success in protecting the lives and property of residents.
The first class traditional ruler however reminded the police boss not to forget his family, as they are thinking and praying for him. (NAN)
