By Terdue Atondu, Makurdi
The Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 4 Headquarters, Makurdi, AIG Dankombo F. Morris, psc(+), has visited the Nasarawa State Police Command as part of his inspection tour of police formations across the zone.
The visit was aimed at assessing operational activities, strengthening police-community relations and engaging stakeholders on security and the need for peaceful conduct ahead of the election season.
In a statement signed by the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Ayo Oluwaseun Martins, on behalf of the AIG, the police officer said Morris was accompanied by members of his management team and was received by the Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed, psc, mnips, members of the Command’s management team and other senior officers.
The statement said the engagement brought together traditional rulers, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), religious leaders, youth representatives and other critical stakeholders.
It said the interaction provided an opportunity for the AIG to listen to security concerns affecting various communities and strengthen collaboration between the Police and residents of Nasarawa State.
Speaking during the visit, CP Shettima Jauro Mohammed expressed appreciation to the AIG for including the Command in his inspection tour, describing the visit as a demonstration of his commitment to effective policing and the safety of residents.
The Commissioner noted that the engagement was particularly timely as the state approaches the election season, providing stakeholders with an opportunity to share their concerns and contribute to efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security.
In his remarks, AIG Morris thanked the Commissioner, members of the Command’s management team and other stakeholders for the warm reception.
He explained that the visit was not limited to inspection of police formations and assessment of operational activities, but also provided an avenue to engage community leaders and other stakeholders.
Morris stressed that security was a shared responsibility requiring the collective efforts of the Police, government, traditional institutions, religious bodies, youths and the wider community.
The AIG commended traditional rulers, religious leaders, PCRC members, youth groups and other stakeholders for their continued support for the Nigeria Police Force.
He said timely and credible information provided by members of the public had contributed to crime reduction and the maintenance of relative peace in the state.
He urged the stakeholders to deepen their partnership with the Police, particularly in intelligence gathering, early warning mechanisms and peaceful resolution of emerging conflicts.
AIG Morris also appealed to political party chairmen, leaders and supporters to maintain peace as political activities intensify in the state.
He urged political actors to conduct their activities responsibly, avoid inflammatory statements, misinformation and religious or ethnic sentiments capable of heightening tension.
According to him, political disagreements should be resolved through dialogue and lawful means, stressing that the pursuit of political interests must not endanger lives and property or undermine the peace of the state.
The AIG assured residents that the Nigeria Police Force remained committed to protecting lives and property and would work with relevant stakeholders to prevent the state from becoming a battleground for political or criminal interests.
He further assured that the Police would remain professional, impartial and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities.
During an interactive session, stakeholders presented security concerns affecting their communities and sought police intervention where necessary.
The AIG listened to the issues raised and provided appropriate guidance, assuring the stakeholders that legitimate security concerns would receive necessary attention within the limits of the law.
AIG Morris also held a lecture and interactive session with officers and men of the Nasarawa State Police Command, where he commended them for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifices in keeping the state safe.
He charged the officers to remain disciplined and committed to their duties while upholding the dignity and core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
Re-echoing the policy thrust of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, the AIG emphasised the importance of community policing, community partnership and earning public trust.
He urged officers to shun corruption, respect the rule of law, maintain discipline and treat members of the public with courtesy and respect.
Morris noted that effective policing could not be achieved through enforcement alone, stressing that public confidence was essential to obtaining the information and cooperation required to prevent and solve crimes.
He further urged officers to strengthen engagement with communities, noting that valuable criminal intelligence often exists within communities and can be accessed more effectively where there is mutual trust between the Police and the people.
The AIG also encouraged officers to maintain close collaboration with other security and law enforcement agencies to safeguard lives and property, disrupt criminal activities and deny criminal elements safe havens within the state.
The visit ended with group photographs involving the AIG, members of his management team, police officers and stakeholders, marking the conclusion of the engagement focused on strengthening police-community partnership, improving security and sustaining peace in Nasarawa State.
The public can provide credible security information to the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer on 08062352969 or via pprozone4@npf.gov.ng.
