By Ocheh Friday
The Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North Central geopolitical zone, Ishyaku Mohammed, has appealed to Nigerians to take advantage of police emergency lines and communication channels to report crimes and suspicious activities in their communities.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement held on Monday in Lokoja, Kogi State, the senior police officer stressed that fighting crime is a shared responsibility and cannot be left to security agencies alone.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, members of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), youth groups, civil society organizations, and non-governmental organizations.
DIG Mohammed, who represented the Inspector-General of Police, Rilwan Olatunji Disu, said his visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the police and critical stakeholders on issues of public safety and security.
According to him, communities play a crucial role in preventing crime, noting that effective policing is only possible when citizens actively support law enforcement efforts.
“Security is everybody’s business. The police alone cannot secure our communities without the active support and participation of the people,” he said.
He reassured residents that security agencies remain committed to protecting lives and property, stressing that criminals must not be allowed to take control of any community.
“This state belongs to all of us. We cannot and will not surrender it to kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug traffickers, terrorists, or any other criminal elements threatening our peace,” he declared.
The DIG urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, youth groups, and community leaders to remain vigilant and work together to identify security threats before they escalate.
He emphasized that prevention remains the most effective approach to combating crime and called on citizens to promptly report suspicious movements, strange gatherings, criminal hideouts, illegal firearms, drug trafficking, kidnapping threats, and other unlawful activities.
“There is no useless information,” he said. “A piece of information that may seem insignificant could help prevent a kidnapping, stop an armed robbery, disrupt a terrorist attack, or save lives.”
Mohammed also warned against shielding criminals because of family ties, friendship, or community relationships, saying such actions only encourage criminality and endanger society.
“Do not provide sanctuary for criminals. Do not protect them because they are your relatives, friends, or neighbours. Anyone who shields criminals becomes an enabler of crime,” he cautioned.
He called on communities across Kogi State and the North Central region to reject criminals and deny them safe havens, insisting that lasting peace can only be achieved when citizens and security agencies work hand in hand.
The police chief concluded by urging residents to remain alert, cooperate with law enforcement, and make timely reports that could help prevent crime and protect lives.
