The police, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), and Justice Mission International have partnered to tackle security challenges and ensure peaceful conduct of the 2027 elections in Sokoto.

The police commissioner, Hayatu Hassan-Shaffa, stated this on Wednesday at a ‘Nationwide Security Sensitisation Workshop’ for local governments in Nigeria held in Sokoto.

He said proactive engagement with communities and political stakeholders was critical to securing the state ahead of the 2027 general elections amid rising security threats.

According to him, the workshop’s timing is crucial because Sokoto is increasingly facing security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa noted that, unlike some neighbouring states, Sokoto did not have established bandit camps, but expressed concern that criminals might now be attempting to settle in some localities. He said the criminals targeted vulnerable communities, especially those with livestock.

Mr Hassan-Shaffa stressed that security agencies could not succeed without community cooperation. He urged communities to profile strangers, monitor vigilante groups, and report suspicious persons to the police and the State Security Service for immediate action.

He said that with the rainy season and elections approaching, the command wanted elections to take place in all parts of the state, without leaving any area out.

The police chief further commended the Tambuwal LG chairman and ALGON chairman, Abba Shehu-Tambuwal, for always reporting security threats to him. He said the partnership between the association and the police was timely.

Mr Shehu-Tambuwal said no local government area in the state was free from security challenges and assured that the chairmen would develop a strong action plan to support the police and other security agencies in fighting banditry.

(NAN)