The Assistant Inspector General, AIG, of Police, Zone 7, Aliyu Garba has called for more synergy between the police command and residents in tackling banditry, kidnapping and other forms of social vices in Niger State.
Garba who is in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and Niger State zone stated this while interacting with officers of the command and other stakeholders during a one-day working visit with his team to Niger State.
He noted that without the public assisting with useful information, the police and other security agencies in the state would not be able to combat crimes alone.
He said, ” The basic mission of the police is to prevent crime. Police cannot fight crimes alone because we are not magicians or soothsayers. We need information, we need intelligence to enable perform to our ability. Therefore, the police required synergy with the public”
The AIG also expressed optimism that with information and intelligence from the people, crime rates would be reduced to the barest minimum in the state.
” You have to assist us to prevent crime and assist yourselves by giving us information to prevent it. This is because today, crime is organized and requires synergy to fight it. Though, we cannot completely eliminate it, ” he stated.
Earlier, the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ogundele Ayodeji listed inadequate logistics, arms and ammunition, dilapidated office structures and accommodation and shortage of manpower among others as some of the challenges facing the command.
He explained that these challenges have affected the confidence and psyche of officers and men of the Niger Police command and the capacity to fight sophisticated crimes in the state
The state chairman of the Vigilante Corps, Nasiru Mohammed Manta noted the peaceful and cordial relationship between the security men and Police in fighting crimes in the state.
He, however, lamented the non-payment of allowances, lack of office accommodations, riffles and vehicles as some of the problems confronting the vigilante group in the state.