The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 14, Bello Shehu, has ordered a coordinated crackdown on banditry and other violent crimes across Katsina and Kaduna states.
The directive, issued in a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the zone, ASP Umar Muhammad, aligns with the operational strategy of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, aimed at proactively addressing rising security threats in the region.
Shehu has directed Commissioners of Police in the affected states to deploy specialised tactical units to assert operational dominance, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain a strong and visible presence in high-risk areas. He also instructed them to strengthen inter-agency collaboration through joint operations with other security agencies to enhance intelligence sharing and ensure swift responses to emerging threats.
“All tactical units have been placed on red alert,” the statement said. Officers have been mandated to sustain continuous patrols across forests, rural communities, highways, places of worship, and other public spaces.
The AIG further directed supervisory officers to uphold discipline, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain accountability among personnel. He urged residents of Katsina and Kaduna to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and useful information to aid ongoing operations.
The move comes amid persistent security challenges in northwestern Nigeria, where banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes have displaced thousands and disrupted livelihoods. The police have intensified efforts to restore stability, with a focus on intelligence-led policing and community engagement.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, calling for sustained public cooperation in the fight against insecurity.
