Intensify fight against criminals in Kano, IG tells police

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has issued a directive to the Kano State Police Command to significantly ramp up offensive operations against criminal elements. The IG emphasized that proactive policing is the most effective strategy for maintaining security and safeguarding the state's vital economic assets.

Speaking through the Deputy Inspector-General of Police for Finance and Administration, DIG Suleiman Abdul, during a strategic lecture in Kano, the IG underscored the city's importance. He described Kano as a crucial commercial hub whose security has far-reaching implications for economic activities not only in Northern Nigeria but also across the wider West African region. The IG commended the command for its recent successes in combating bandits, armed robbers, and other criminals, noting that taking the battle directly to criminals yields better results than a reactive approach.

To bolster internal security nationwide, the police hierarchy introduced a comprehensive six-point strategy. This strategy prioritizes intelligence-led and technology-driven policing, strict accountability, respect for human rights, community policing initiatives, inter-agency collaboration, operational specialization, and enhanced personnel welfare. Officers in Kano were urged to utilize modern crime-fighting tools, including digital forensics and crime data analytics, to identify criminal networks and dismantle organized gangs.

The IG specifically directed sustained pressure on violent youth gangs, cybercriminals, and other groups threatening Kano's commercial environment. He stressed the importance of public trust in effective policing and called for regular engagement with market associations, youth groups, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to improve intelligence gathering and crime prevention. Disu warned against corruption, extortion, abuse of power, and human rights violations, reinforcing that the newly established Violent Crime Response Unit aims to promote professionalism and accountability.

“

You have taken the battle straight to the criminals with bold actions, recording major successes through arrests and the neutralisation of bandits and their kingpins. It is far better to strike first and remain on the offensive than to be merely reactive.