Police commissioner Mohammed Gumel has embarked on an operation tour to eastern Sokoto, with the launch of X-Squad to tackle bandits.

Bandits and other criminals terrorise the eastern part of the state.

Mr Gumel, in a statement by the command spokesman DSP Sunusi Abubakar on Sunday, said the police chief’s tour was part of efforts to strengthen the existing security strategies.

“The objective of the tour is to review the existing strategies and reinforce police deployments at those locations with more operational facilities that can safeguard citizens in the zone,” said the statement. “The CP was in Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Rabah and Wurno local governments and equally undertook an on-the-spot assessment in some localities being among the notorious points for bandits ambush and attacks in recent times.”

According to the statement, the police commissioner urged the force and other security agencies to improve their operations and work closely to achieve peace in Sokoto.

“Gumel also commended all community efforts, sacrifices and dedication, especially by the traditional institutions and non-state actors, to the ongoing operation against banditry and other related crimes,” the statement added. “He, however, had an interface with critical stakeholders at various communities and assured them of the ongoing efforts by government and security agencies towards tackling the current insecurity situation bedevilling the state.”

Meanwhile, the commissioner has launched a tactical unit, X-Squad, in Sokoto as an additional anti-violence ‘Quick Response Striking Force’.

“The squad will work with the native and intelligence community to implement the strategy that will rid the state of all forms of criminal activities and keep away criminal elements,” the police statement explained. “It is also saddled with the mandate to checkmate unprofessional attitude, brutality and other misconduct among others in line with the best practice of policing agenda.” 

(NAN)