The Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) of Police in charge of Zone 14, Katsina, Bello Shehu, has ordered a coordinated and strategic crackdown on banditry and other violent crimes across Katsina and Kaduna States.

This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Katsina by the police public relations officer of the Zone, ASP Umar Muhammad, on behalf of the AIG.

According to him, the directive aligns with the operational strategy of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, aimed at proactively tackling rising security threats, particularly banditry within the zone.

The AIG 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 policing presence in identified high-risk areas.

He further instructed the commissioners to strengthen inter-agency collaboration through joint operations with other security agencies.

He noted that such synergy would enhance intelligence sharing and ensure swift responses to emerging threats, adding that, “All tactical units have been placed on red alert.”

According to the statement, officers are to sustain continuous patrols across forests, rural communities, highways, places of worship, and other public spaces.

He also mandated supervisory officers to uphold discipline, ensure operational efficiency, and maintain accountability among personnel.

The AIG urged residents of Katsina and Kaduna to remain vigilant and support security agencies by providing timely and useful information that could aid ongoing operations. 

(NAN)