DIG Seeks Stronger Community Partnership Against Insecurity In Kogi

The coordinating deputy inspector-general of Police (DIG) for the North-Central Zone, Isyaku Mohammed, has called for stronger collaboration between the police and communities to effectively combat crime and enhance public safety in Kogi State.

At a security stakeholders’ consultative meeting held in Lokoja yesterday, the DIG, who represented the inspector-general of police (IGP) Rilwan Olatunji Disu, said security remains a collective responsibility and urged the residents not to allow criminals to take over their communities.

He stressed the need for timely intelligence sharing, warning against harbouring criminals or providing support networks for kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug traffickers and other criminal elements.

According to him, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, youth groups and community leaders all have vital roles to play in crime prevention and peace building, noting that early information remains the most potent weapon against insecurity.

The DIG also assured residents of the commitment of the current Police Management Team to rebuilding public trust through professionalism, accountability, intelligence-led policing and stronger community partnerships.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, welcomed the DIG to the state and described the visit as an opportunity to strengthen operational strategies and enhance collaboration with critical stakeholders.

Kankarofi noted that Kogi’s strategic position as the gateway between northern and southern Nigeria presents unique security challenges requiring sustained cooperation among security agencies, government institutions, traditional rulers and the public.

He said the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to provide a platform for discussions on prevailing and emerging security concerns, improve intelligence gathering and promote community-oriented policing.

The meeting was attended by the State Security Adviser, traditional rulers, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), youth groups, civil society organisations, senior police officers and members of the media.

The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace and security across Kogi State.