By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Ayodeji Faniyan, has held his maiden monthly conference with officers of the Command at the Police Officers’ Mess in Jos.
The conference brought together Senior Officers, Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, Heads of Departments and Tactical Team Commanders across the state as part of the Commissioner’s strategic engagement with personnel.
Addressing the officers, CP Faniyan commended them for their dedication, sacrifices and resilience in maintaining law and order and protecting lives and property across Plateau State.
He acknowledged the challenging security environment in which the officers operate and charged them to remain courageous, disciplined, professional and committed to their constitutional responsibilities.
The Commissioner said his administration would focus on professionalism, discipline, accountability, intelligence-led policing, community engagement and respect for human rights.
He urged Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Heads of Departments to adopt proactive policing strategies, strengthen supervision and improve intelligence gathering in their respective areas.
CP Faniyan also directed commanders to identify emerging security threats early and take decisive action before they escalate into major security incidents.
On the fight against violent crime, he assured residents that the Command would sustain robust operations against kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, banditry, communal violence, violent criminal gangs, illegal possession of firearms and other forms of criminality.
He ordered increased police visibility in vulnerable areas, stronger patrol operations and prompt responses to distress calls, while emphasising effective policing of rural communities.
The Commissioner further stressed the importance of community policing and stronger collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, youth organisations, civil society groups, sister security agencies and other stakeholders.
He noted that members of the public remain indispensable partners in the fight against crime, particularly through the provision of timely and credible information to security agencies.
CP Faniyan also warned officers against misconduct, corruption, extortion, abuse of power, unlawful detention and unnecessary use of force, stressing that such actions could undermine public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.
He reminded personnel that police powers are exercised on behalf of the Nigerian people and must be used responsibly, lawfully and professionally.
The Commissioner directed all commanders to take personal responsibility for the discipline, conduct and operational effectiveness of personnel under their supervision.
He also assured officers that their welfare and professional development would remain priorities, urging them to embrace continuous learning and acquire modern policing skills to effectively address contemporary security challenges.
CP Faniyan urged all personnel to maintain the highest standards of integrity and dedication, noting that their conduct both on and off duty significantly affects the public image and credibility of the Nigeria Police Force.