The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the appointment of Salisu Bello Fago as the new Commissioner of Police in Niger State.

In a statement on Monday, the commission’s spokesperson, Torty Njoku Kalu, said the approval followed an interview session presided over by DIG Taiwo Lakanu, chairman of the PSC standing committee on police matters, who represented the commission’s chairman, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu.

Mr Argungu advised the new commissioner to remain neutral and develop workable strategies, including intelligence-led and community-based policing, to combat crime and maintain peace and security in Niger State.

Mr Fago joined the Nigeria Police Force on June 10, 1994, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police.

According to the statement, he holds a BSc (Ed) and an MCMP and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The statement added that he had attended several professional courses, including the Advanced Intelligence Detective Course, PMF Commanders Training Course and Tactical Leadership Command Course.

Mr Fago brings more than three decades of operational and administrative experience to his new role.

He previously served as OC SIB in Kano and Katsina commands; AC CID in Katsina command; AC DOPS in Delta command; CO 6 PMF in Maiduguri; CO 52 PMF in Chalawa, Kano; AC DOPS in Maiduguri and DC DFA in Zamfara command.

He succeeds CP Adamu A. Elleman, who retired from service.