By Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) overseeing the North East Geopolitical Zone, DIG Zakariah Fera, FDC, has called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders to enhance security and public safety in Yobe State.
DIG Fera, accompanied by DIG Ibrahim Baba Zango, made the call on the second day of his operational visit to the state during an engagement with critical stakeholders at the Yobe State Police Command Headquarters in Damaturu.
The meeting brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth associations, civil society organisations, cattle breeders’ associations, and other community representatives to discuss security challenges and strategies for strengthening peace and stability across the state.
As part of the visit, the DIG paid a courtesy call on the Governor of Yobe State, Hon. (Dr.) Mai Mala Buni, CON, who was represented by the Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Mohammed Goje.
DIG Fera commended the Yobe State Government for its continued support to security agencies and appealed for sustained partnership in line with the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed strategies aimed at tackling criminal activities and improving public safety.
In response, Dr. Goje reaffirmed the state’s commitment to working closely with the Police and other security agencies, while applauding the efforts of the Yobe State Police Command in maintaining peace and security.
Addressing stakeholders, DIG Fera conveyed the commitment of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc (+), NPM, to strengthening security operations nationwide.
He disclosed that measures were being implemented to address manpower shortages in the Yobe State Police Command through strategic deployments and capacity-building initiatives.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies, assuring them that the identities of informants would be adequately protected.
On the forthcoming election period, the DIG reiterated the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to neutrality, professionalism, and impartiality in ensuring a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process.
He also advised youth associations in the state to register with relevant authorities to promote accountability and facilitate effective engagement with security agencies.
Furthermore, DIG Fera warned motorists against operating vehicles without valid registration numbers or with concealed number plates, stressing that such vehicles would be impounded and offenders prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The interactive session provided stakeholders with an opportunity to raise security concerns and receive responses from the visiting DIGs, further strengthening trust and cooperation between the Police and the communities they serve.
The Yobe State Police Command expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for their continued support and reaffirmed its commitment to fostering partnerships that promote peace, security, and development across the state.