Olu Samuel
The Coordinating Deputy Inspector general of Police in charge of North Central Geo-political zone,DIG Ishyaku Mohammed has called on citizens to make proper use of the established emergency lines and communication channels to report crimes and criminal activities.
Mohammed was speaking on Monday in Lokoja when he visited the Kogi state command for a stakeholders engagement with cross section of stakeholders including, traditional rulers, ,Chairman and Members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Representatives of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Youth Groups,
Civil Society Organizations and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
“The Nigeria Police Force has provided emergency lines and communication channels. I urge every citizen to make use of them.” he said.
DIG Mohammed said that he was in the state on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu, NPM, to engage with critical stakeholders in the State on matters concerning collective security and public safety.
He said that security is everyone responsibility as police alone cannot secure our community.
” security is everybody’s business. The Police alone cannot secure our communities without the active support and participation of the people. This is Your State, We Will Not Allow Criminals to Take Over
This State belongs to all of us. We cannot and will not surrender it to criminals, kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug traffickers, terrorists, or any other elements that threaten our peace and security. But we cannot achieve this objective alone. We need your support.
There is no better security strategy than one that involves the people and communities it is designed to protect. Every family, every village, every ward, every community and every institution has a role to play.’
He said that traditional rulers must remain vigilant. Religious leaders must continue to preach peace and good values.
Parents must pay greater attention to their children.
Youth groups must become partners in peacebuilding and crime prevention.
Community leaders must remain our eyes and ears.
Together, we must identify security threats before they escalate into major crises.
Prevention is always better than reaction. Share Information Timely
Distinguished stakeholders, information remains the most potent weapon against crime.
The Nigeria Police Force has provided emergency lines and communication channels. I urge every citizen to make use of them.
There is no useless information.
A seemingly insignificant piece of information can prevent a kidnapping, stop an armed robbery, disrupt a terrorist attack, or save lives.
Promptly report suspicious movements and activities.
Report strange faces and unusual gatherings.
Expose criminal hideouts.
Report illegal possession, movement, and sale of firearms.
Report drug trafficking and drug abuse.
Report kidnapping threats and all forms of criminal activities.” he added.
He said that communities must reject criminals and their support networks, he appealed to everyone not provide sanctuary to criminals.
“Do not shield them because they are your relatives, your friends, or your neighbours.” as crime eventually destroys the very communities that harbour it. Anyone who protects criminals becomes an enabler of criminality.
Communities must collectively reject criminals and deny them safe havens.”he noted.