Police commissioner Monday Kuryas has urged traditional rulers in Niger to mobilise their subjects to support security agencies in fighting bandits and other criminals in the state.

“All we expect from traditional, religious leaders, as well as stakeholders, is to come forward with intelligence information on criminal activities in their midst,“ Mr Kuryas said on Wednesday.

He added that other stakeholders, including development associations, should also partner with the police.

Mr Kuryas also noted that building strong synergy and trust between security agencies and citizens was vital in ending the menace of kidnapping, cattle rustling, banditry and other criminal activities.

The commissioner made the appeal when he visited the Emir of Suleja, Auwal Ibrahim, and assured him that the command had adopted new modalities to deal with all criminal elements.

“All we require from good Samaritans is reliable and credible information on the movement of suspected criminals in the society,” he said.

Mr Kuryas said security personnel, including vigilantes, have been deployed across the state to flush out all criminal elements.

“We will do everything humanly possible to deal with any person or group of people threatening the peaceful coexistence of the people,” he added.

The police boss appreciated Suleja Emirate Council and its people for the support given to the police in the area.

Responding, the emir said he had directed village and ward heads to mobilise their people to support security agencies and expose bad elements in their midst.

“We will work hand in hand with the community policing advisory committee to expose dubious characters in our midst,” Mr Ibrahim said. 

(NAN)