Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to supporting police operations and improving their welfare in efforts to tackle banditry and insecurity in the state. The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, Mohammed Sheidu, and his delegation to the Government House in Gusau.

The NPTF team was in the state to inspect the newly constructed special forces barracks built by the Police Trust Fund. Governor Lawal expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate closely with the police to enhance security and boost officers’ welfare. He noted that his administration is renovating the Zamfara police headquarters and constructing new structures at the Zamfara Mobile Command.

The governor lamented the poor state of police facilities across the country, describing them as unacceptable for an institution expected to deliver effective security. He recalled his experience as part of the Presidential Committee on Police Reform, which inspected facilities at police colleges and the Police Staff College. Lawal emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of police welfare to enable them to perform effectively.

The governor directed the state’s Commissioner for Housing to liaise with the NPTF to make land available for the proposed police housing estate in Zamfara. He assured that the state would provide suitable land for the project immediately. Earlier, NPTF Executive Secretary Mohammed Sheidu commended the governor for his cooperation and support to the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in improving their welfare and infrastructure in Zamfara State.

The visit and discussions underscore the importance of collaboration between state governments and the police to address insecurity and improve law enforcement capabilities. The construction of the special forces barracks and proposed police housing estate are expected to enhance the police’s operational effectiveness and welfare in Zamfara State. As the state continues to grapple with banditry and insecurity, the governor’s commitment to supporting police operations and welfare is seen as a crucial step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.