The new Commissioner of Police in Jigawa State, CP Tijjani Murtala, has declared a zero-tolerance campaign against crime, illicit drug abuse and other threats to public safety.
Murtala pledged to strengthen intelligence-led policing, intensify patrols, improve rapid response and deepen collaboration with communities and sister security agencies to prevent criminal activities.
He said the command would launch a sustained crackdown on the illicit drug trade, including drug abuse, distribution and trafficking, citing its links to violent crime, youth delinquency, cultism and other offences.
“We recognise the dangerous relationship between drug abuse and violent crime, youth delinquency, cultism, sexual violence, street violence, and other forms of criminality,” he said.
The commissioner made the declarations on Monday during his maiden press briefing with journalists following his assumption of duty as the new Commissioner of Police in the state.
Murtala listed armed robbery, cattle rustling, theft, vandalism, gender-based violence, farmers-herders clashes and communal conflicts among the security challenges that would receive increased attention.
He said police visibility would be enhanced through regular township patrols, particularly at night, while weekend patrols would be strengthened in major urban centres.
According to him, special security arrangements would also be deployed during major market days to protect traders, customers, transporters and other members of the public.
Murtala further warned that the command would strictly enforce vehicle and traffic regulations, particularly against motorists using obscured or defaced number plates, unauthorised tinted glasses and improperly registered vehicles.
On political activities, he assured that the command would remain neutral while taking firm action against political thuggery, electoral violence, destruction of property and hate speech capable of inciting violence.
“Political differences must never become a justification for violence,” he said.
The commissioner also identified cybercrime, internet-enabled fraud, online blackmail, identity-related offences and cult activities as areas requiring stronger police attention, particularly among young people.
However, he said enforcement would be complemented by prevention, counselling, public awareness and stakeholder engagement to steer youths towards legitimate opportunities.
Murtala promised to strengthen community policing and urged residents to provide credible information on suspicious movements, criminal activities and emerging security threats.
He warned criminal elements that the state would not provide a haven for them, stressing that suspects would be pursued within the provisions of the law.
“Jigawa State will not be a haven for criminals,” the commissioner declared.
He further pledged to enforce discipline and professionalism within the command, warning officers against corruption, extortion, abuse of office, unnecessary use of force and other forms of misconduct.
Murtala said personnel would also receive continuous training in intelligence-led policing, modern investigation techniques, human rights, cybercrime, crowd management, emergency response and community policing.
He appealed to traditional and religious leaders, parents, youths, community leaders and other stakeholders to support the police by promoting peace and discouraging criminal activities.
The commissioner also solicited the cooperation of the media in responsible reporting, public enlightenment and countering misinformation, describing journalists as important partners in crime prevention and peacebuilding.