New CP, Shaffa , assumes duty in Sokoto, commits to protecting lives, propertyFrom Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto
The newly posted Commissioner of Police to the Sokoto State Command, Alhaji Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, on Monday assumed duty, with a commitment to protect lives and property.
Shaffa also applauded the Inspector General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu and the Police Service Commission for the trust reposed in him.
He said: “My promotion to the rank of Commissioner of Police and subsequent posting to this Command reflect the confidence of the Force leadership in my years of service. I do not take this trust lightly.
“Permit me to set the tone for my tenure with a fundamental principle: the first duty of government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property, and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the State.
” This principle, which I have held throughout my career, will serve as the compass for every action, strategy, and decision of this Command.
“I assume duty with a clear and sober understanding of the security realities facing Sokoto State.
” The challenges are significant and well-documented. Our state has been severely affected by terrorism, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and cattle rustling.
“These criminal elements have perpetrated heinous acts, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives, widespread displacement, and a climate of fear that hinders our collective pursuit of peace and prosperity.”
According to the CP, the consequences extend beyond immediate physical danger.
He added, “We see the psychological trauma inflicted on individuals and families.
£We see the economic strain on communities whose livelihoods have been disrupted.
” We see the burden on government resources, where funds that should drive development and poverty alleviation are instead channeled into security responses.
” We see the toll on our youth, women, and children the most vulnerable among us who deserve safety and opportunity.
“I must also recognize the immense sacrifices of our security personnel. Officers of this Command and our sister agencies risk their lives daily in the line of duty. Many have paid the ultimate price. Their courage and commitment will not be forgotten, nor will it be in vain.
“It is against this backdrop that I outline my vision for the Sokoto State Police Command. Our approach will rest on three interconnected pillars:”
The CP listed them to include: Intelligence-Led, Technology-Driven Operations, saying, “will intensify our use of intelligence gathering and technological assets to anticipate, disrupt, and respond to criminal activity. Platforms such as the C4i system, the Technical Intelligence Unit (TIU), and real-time early warning mechanisms will be fully leveraged to ensure precision in our operations and efficiency in resource deployment.”
On Community Partnership and Trust-Building, the CP state no police force can succeed in isolation. We will deepen our engagement with the communities we serve through the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at state and local government levels.
He continued,” By listening to community concerns, aggregating patterns of abnormal behavior, and fostering mutual trust, we will build a policing model that is both responsive and preventive.
“Effective internal security demands seamless collaboration. I will prioritize robust synergy with the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, and all other security agencies. We will operate as one force with a common purpose.
“Furthermore, we will strengthen partnerships with state government institutions, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society because security is a collective responsibility that no single agency can claim monopoly over.”
According to the CP, in practical terms, their focus will be on the following: “Enhancing Patrol and Guard Services: We will intensify visibility policing across urban and rural areas, ensuring a proactive security presence that deters crime and reassures citizens.
“Strengthening Anti-Crime Operations: Dedicated operations targeting terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping will be sustained and refined based on evolving threat assessments.”
On crisis prevention and peacebuilding, he viewed, “we will actively support peace sustainability initiatives, working to prevent communal clashes, political violence, and other forms of conflict before they escalate.
“Special attention will be given to the security of women, children, and other vulnerable populations through targeted patrols, school safety programs, and community engagement.
“We will conduct regular assessments of our strategies, assets, and personnel performance to ensure continuous improvement and accountability.
“We recognize that security is not solely the work of law enforcement. We will therefore embark on robust public sensitization campaigns in partnership with the National Orientation Agency (NOA), broadcast media, and community platforms.
“These initiatives will promote crime prevention awareness, civic responsibility, and leadership development among our youth. We will also organize community engagement activities such as road marches and friendly sports competitions to build positive relationships and channel the energy of our young people constructively.”
To the officers and men of the Command, he called on each of them to stand resolute, disciplined, and professional.
Shaffa urged, “Let us remember that poor planning produces poor performance. Let us commit to meticulous planning, unwavering loyalty, and the highest standards of service.
“Your welfare remains a priority. I will work to ensure that you have the necessary support, resources, and leadership to carry out your duties effectively and safely.”
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