The Nigeria Police Force has issued a stark warning to citizens: security is not just their job it is everyone’s duty.
Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Ishyaku Mohammed, in charge of the North Central geopolitical zone, made the appeal on Monday in Lokoja during a high-stakes stakeholders’ meeting at the Kogi State Police Command.
The gathering brought together traditional rulers, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), student leaders, the Nigerian Bar Association, youth groups, and civil society organizations all united by one message: enough is enough.
“Security is everybody’s business. The Police alone cannot secure our communities without the active support and participation of the people,” DIG Mohammed declared.
He made it clear that criminals whether kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug traffickers, or terrorists will not be allowed to take over any community.
“This state belongs to all of us. We cannot and will not surrender it to criminals. But we cannot achieve this objective alone. We need your support,” he stressed.
The police chief outlined a community-wide strategy, urging traditional rulers to stay vigilant, religious leaders to preach peace, parents to monitor their children, and youth groups to become partners in crime prevention.
“There is no better security strategy than one that involves the people it is designed to protect,” he added.
The Power of Information
DIG Mohammed emphasized that information remains the most potent weapon against crime and that no tip is too small.
“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,” he said.
He urged citizens to promptly report:
· Suspicious movements and strange faces
· Unusual gatherings and criminal hideouts
· Illegal possession or sale of firearms
· Drug trafficking and abuse
· Kidnapping threats and all criminal activities
He also appealed to communities to stop shielding offenders even if they are relatives, friends, or neighbors.
“Do not shield them because they are your relatives, your friends, or your neighbors. Anyone who protects criminals becomes an enabler of criminality. Communities must collectively reject criminals and deny them safe havens.”
The DIG reminded the public that the Nigeria Police Force has established emergency lines and communication channels, and he urged every citizen to make proper use of them.
“Prevention is always better than reaction,” he concluded.
