By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Sokoto State, Hayyatu Shafa, has declared an uncompromising war against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, pledging decisive action to restore law, order and public confidence across the state.

Speaking shortly after formally assuming duty at the Sokoto State Police Command headquarters, the police chief said confronting violent crimes and safeguarding lives and property would remain the central pillar of his leadership.

Shafa expressed appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the Police Service Commission for the confidence reposed in him, describing Sokoto as the historic seat of the Caliphate whose peace and stability must be preserved at all costs.

According to him, the primary responsibility of government is to guarantee law and order so that citizens can freely pursue their livelihoods and practice their faith without fear or intimidation.

The new police boss acknowledged that Sokoto, like several parts of northern Nigeria, has been grappling with persistent security threats including banditry, terrorism and kidnapping, crimes that have resulted in loss of lives, destruction of communities and displacement of thousands of residents.

He noted that beyond the immediate human toll, insecurity has also disrupted economic activities, strained government resources and exposed vulnerable populations particularly women and children to heightened risks.

Determined to reverse the trend, Shafa unveiled a comprehensive security framework built on a three pronged strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and preventing future attacks.

He explained that the command would prioritise intelligence driven and technology-supported policing to proactively detect, track and neutralise criminal elements before they strike.

The commissioner also stressed the importance of community participation in security management, noting that effective policing thrives on trust and cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.

To strengthen this partnership, he pledged to deepen engagement with residents through the Police Community Relations Committee, encouraging communities to actively share information that could help security agencies combat crime.

Shafa further revealed that the command would intensify collaboration with other security agencies including the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, in order to strengthen coordinated operations against criminal groups.

As part of his operational priorities, the commissioner announced plans to expand security patrols across urban centres and rural communities, carry out targeted anti-crime operations, and implement conflict-prevention measures in vulnerable areas.

He also disclosed that special protection programmes would be introduced for vulnerable groups, while internal performance reviews would be conducted regularly to ensure professionalism, discipline and accountability within the command.

Paying tribute to fallen security personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty, the CP commended officers and men of the command for their courage and sacrifices in the fight against crime.

He urged them to remain steadfast, disciplined and committed to protecting the nation despite the daunting challenges confronting security agencies.

To further strengthen public confidence, Shafa announced plans for sensitisation campaigns in partnership with the National Orientation Agency and the media, alongside youth focused initiatives such as sports programmes designed to foster stronger police community relations.

Reaffirming his commitment to transparent and purposeful leadership, the commissioner called on traditional rulers, religious leaders and residents to support the police in the collective task of securing Sokoto and safeguarding the future of the state.

“Together, we will protect lives and property, restore public confidence and ensure that Sokoto remains peaceful, safe and secure,” he assured.