The newly posted commissioner of police to Sokoto State Police Command, Mr. Hayyatu Hasan Shaffa, has told criminal elements in the state to repent or get arrested, noting that the police under his watch is poised to rid Sokoto off criminal activities.
Addressing news men at the command headquarters in Sokoto Mr. Shaffa said the police is battle ready to confront banditry and kidnapping head-on, declaring that restoring law and order will be the cornerstone of his command.
Shaffa however, expressed gratitude to the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Police Service Commission for entrusting him with the leadership of what he described as the “historic seat of the Caliphate.”
“The first duty of government is to maintain law and order so that the life, property and religious beliefs of citizens are fully protected,” Shafa said.
The police boss acknowledged the daunting security challenges confronting the state, including terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, saying these crimes have led to loss of lives, displacement of communities and widespread fear.
According to him, the impact of insecurity goes beyond physical harm, affecting economic activities, increasing pressure on government resources and exposing vulnerable groups—particularly women and children.
Shaffa, however, assured residents that the command under his leadership would adopt a three-pronged strategy to tackle crime.
This includes intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, strengthened community engagement, and enhanced collaboration with sister security agencies.
“We will intensify intelligence gathering and leverage modern tools to anticipate and disrupt criminal activities,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of community partnership, pledging to work closely with residents through the Police Community Relations Committee to build trust and improve information sharing.
On inter-agency cooperation, Shafa said the command would deepen synergy with the Nigerian Army, Department of State Services, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, among others, to ensure a unified response to security threats.
