Police Chief Vows to Stamp Out Banditry in Nigeria’s Katsina State
Idegwu Basil Okuma, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 14, has expressed his determination to tackle the rising menace of banditry in Katsina State. Okuma made the remark during an official visit to the Katsina State Police Command, where he stressed the need to make a significant impact in reducing crime in the region.
The police chief described the situation as “terrifying” and pledged to complement the Command’s efforts in taming the menace. Acknowledging the challenges faced by security personnel, including the loss of officers in the line of duty, Okuma called on his colleagues to remain vigilant and share information to effectively combat the threat.
“We are losing officers. The very week I reported, we lost four officers. These are things we face on a daily basis, and it’s our duty to ensure that crime and criminality are brought down to the very minimum,” he said.
Okuma emphasized the importance of community policing and intelligence gathering in addressing the crisis. He also highlighted the need for continuous training and retraining of officers to stay ahead of the evolving tactics of criminals.
The Chief Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, welcomed the new AIG and briefed him on the Command’s operations and achievements since his assumption of office on June 2, 2024. The achievements include the arrest of over 100 suspects, the rescue of 107 kidnapped victims, the neutralization of over five suspected armed bandits, and the recovery of stolen assets.
Under Okuma’s leadership, the Command has witnessed a boost in operational capacity and morale, according to CP Musa, who attributed the success to the AIG’s guidance and direction.
Okuma’s initiative to tackle banditry in Katsina State comes as no surprise, given the alarming increase in criminal activity in the region. However, his commitment to making a real difference in reducing crime is a testament to the Police Force’s dedication to serving the nation.
As the police chief continues his effort to curb banditry in the area, the people of Katsina State can only hope that his determination leads to a safer and more secure tomorrow.
