The Nigeria Police Force says it has introduced a new security initiative known as the Handshake Patrol across Northern states to combat insecurity, prevent fleeing bandits and terrorists from finding safe havens, and strengthen regional security cooperation….
The Nigeria Police Force says it has introduced a new security initiative known as the Handshake Patrol across Northern states to combat insecurity, prevent fleeing bandits and terrorists from finding safe havens, and strengthen regional security cooperation.
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sulaiman Abdul, disclosed this during a working visit to Jigawa State.
He said the patrol initiative is aimed at ensuring that criminals have no hiding place, especially in Jigawa, which is widely regarded as one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Abdul explained that the Police Force has also trained its personnel in the use of Artificial Intelligence and other modern technologies to align with global best practices in the fight against terrorism and other emerging security threats.
He called for stronger collaboration among security agencies, traditional institutions, religious leaders, civil society organisations, community groups and the media to prevent fleeing bandits and terrorists from taking refuge in the state.
The DIG also engaged stakeholders on practical ways to prevent insecurity in neighbouring states from spilling into Jigawa.
The meeting, themed “Shared Responsibility: Co-Producing Peace, Preventing Trans-Border Criminality, and Maintaining Regional Stability in Jigawa,” focused on strengthening community participation in crime prevention and peace-building.
He described Jigawa as an oasis of peace in the North-West and stressed the need for all stakeholders to work together to sustain the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
According to him, maintaining peace and security is a collective responsibility and should not be left to the police alone.
Abdul noted that as criminal groups continue to adopt more sophisticated tactics, security agencies must rely on strong partnerships and trust among the police, traditional and religious institutions, civil society organisations and the media.
“To our officers, the Inspector-General of Police sends a message of commendation for your efforts in keeping bandits under pressure. To our stakeholders, the IGP extends a hand of partnership. We must work together to identify threats early and prevent our peaceful state from becoming a safe haven for criminals fleeing operations in neighbouring states,” he said.
He added that the Nigeria Police Force operates under six strategic pillars, with stakeholders playing a critical role in the success of each.
The pillars include intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, accountability and human rights compliance, community policing and public trust, inter-agency collaboration, operational standardisation and specialisation, as well as personnel welfare and capacity building.
Abdul further identified three critical community-driven security strategies: preventing farmer-herder conflicts, securing border corridors and forest areas, and promoting responsible journalism.
He said police divisions across local government areas should establish conflict resolution and mediation committees to address disputes before they escalate into violence.
On border security, the DIG urged community leaders and youth groups to strengthen neighbourhood watch structures and support efforts to prevent the influx of criminals into the state.
He also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements and activities, including unusual bulk purchases of fuel, food items or motorcycles.
Abdul described the media as a vital partner in peace-building, noting that responsible reporting can help promote stability and public confidence.
He urged journalists to avoid sensational reports that glorify criminal elements or create unnecessary panic, and instead use their platforms to promote security awareness and peaceful coexistence.
The DIG also called on community leaders to continue fostering unity and cooperation within their domains while supporting security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.
Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Jigawa State, Usman Shehu-Barde, pledged continued collaboration with the police to enhance the protection of lives and property.
Also, Jamilu Basiru, who represented the Dutse Emirate Council, assured the council’s continued support in addressing farmer-herder conflicts and other security challenges in the state.
The Handshake Patrol initiative is part of the Nigeria Police Force’s broader strategy to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community policing and prevent criminal elements from exploiting peaceful states as safe havens. Security stakeholders say sustained cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies remains critical to maintaining peace and stability across Northern Nigeria.
