Police Seek Stronger Collaboration With Yobe Govt to Combat Crime
By Ahmed Isah
The Nigeria Police Force has sought deeper collaboration with the Yobe Government and stakeholders to strengthen efforts at tackling crime and insecurity in the state.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Force Intelligence Department, Zakariya Fera, made the call during a courtesy visit to Gov. Mai Mala Buni in Damaturu on Wednesday.
Fera, who led a team of senior police officers and other security agencies on an operational assessment visit, said the mission was directed by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to evaluate security operations across the North-East.
He said the visit was historic for him, noting that it was his first official visit to the Yobe Government House in his current capacity as Head of the Force Intelligence Department overseeing the North-North-East zone.
According to him, the team deliberately travelled by road through several states despite the availability of helicopters to enable members assess security realities firsthand.
“We are here to see what our officers on the ground are doing and whether they are working in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police.
“This is particularly an operational visit and that is why we are dressed in operational gear,” he said.
The DIG said the team also came to appreciate the Yobe Government for its support to the police and other security agencies.
He assured the government of the force’s commitment to consolidating existing security gains in the state.
Fera stressed the importance of community participation in crime prevention, saying security agencies relied heavily on credible intelligence from residents.
“The enemies of society live within the society and not among police officers.
“If stakeholders do not provide information, it will be difficult for the police to make meaningful progress in combating crime and criminality,” he said.
He said the police had engaged traditional rulers, community leaders and other stakeholders on ways to strengthen intelligence gathering and community support.
Fera expressed optimism that ongoing security measures would help bring lasting peace to the state.
“Yobe people have suffered enough and we say enough is enough. We are determined to take the battle to criminals and ensure citizens enjoy peace and security,” he said.
Responding, Buni, represented by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, described the visit as timely and significant.
He said the visit underscored the commitment of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to enhancing national security.
Goje commended the officers and men of the police force for their sacrifices, dedication and patriotism in safeguarding the nation’s unity and stability.
“Security remains the foundation upon which sustainable development is built.
“Lasting peace, economic growth and social progress can only thrive in an environment of safety and stability,” he said.
He said the Yobe Government had maintained strong collaboration with the police and other security agencies through operational support, security infrastructure development and institutional coordination.
According to him, the prevailing peace in most parts of the state is a result of the resilience and professionalism of security agencies as well as the support of traditional institutions and community leaders.
Goje, however, noted that security challenges continued to evolve and required sustained vigilance and intelligence-led operations.
He called for continued support from the police high command through enhanced operational capabilities, deployment of additional personnel and expansion of community policing initiatives.
The acting SSG reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
He said the government believed security and development were inseparable and pledged to sustain partnerships aimed at promoting peace and socio-economic development in the state.
