Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Isyaku Mohammed has called for stronger community policing and timely intelligence sharing to enhance security and curb criminal activities in Benue.
Mohammed, who is in charge of Training and Development and Coordinating DIG for the North-Central Geopolitical Zone, made the call on Wednesday in Makurdi during a stakeholders’ security meeting held as part of his assessment visit to the state.
The DIG stated that security remained a collective responsibility and urged stakeholders to strengthen community policing by working closely with security agencies.
He stressed the importance of providing credible and timely intelligence, noting that prompt information enables security agencies to prevent crimes before they escalate.
Drawing from his experience during the Boko Haram insurgency in Bauchi State, the DIG said intelligence sharing had helped security agencies neutralise threats before attacks could occur.
He urged residents not to allow criminal elements to take over the state, describing them as a small fraction of the population that could be effectively confronted through collective action.
The DIG further identified youth engagement, mentorship and social monitoring as critical factors in achieving lasting peace.
He encouraged parents and community leaders to guide young people towards education, agriculture and other productive ventures while discouraging drug abuse and criminal activities.
Mohammed also called for renewed trust and cooperation among citizens, security agencies and government institutions to build a safer society.
Addressing journalists, he commended the media for supporting policing efforts and urged practitioners to promote public confidence, support crime prevention initiatives and verify information before publication.
He warned that inaccurate reports could embolden criminals and demoralise security personnel, citing a recent incident in which the death of a senior police officer was wrongly reported as a kidnap and murder case.
The DIG reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to professionalism, openness and constructive engagement with the media, noting that responsible journalism contributes significantly to public safety and national security.
He said the visit was directed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to assess the security situation in Benue.
Mohammed appreciated the resilience and sacrifices of police personnel combating crime, evaluate existing security strategies and obtain first-hand information on operational and welfare challenges facing officers.
According to him, the findings from the visit would be forwarded to the IGP for necessary action.
Earlier, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 4, Mr Morris Dankombo, said the DIG tour was aimed at engaging service commanders, traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders to discuss security concerns and strengthen collaboration in tackling crime.
He stated that community policing remained one of the major policy thrusts of the IGP, providing a platform for citizens and security agencies to jointly identify and address security challenges.
The AIG urged participants to actively contribute to discussions aimed at improving peace, security and public safety in the state.
In a vote of thanks, the Commissioner of Police in Benue, Mr Cletus Nwadiogbu, expressed confidence that the command would continue to record successes in combating crime.
Nwadiogbu attributed the achievements of the command to the cooperation of sister security agencies, community leaders and residents, noting that sustained synergy had enhanced security operations across the state.
