The Katsina State Police Command has organised a town hall meeting on effective community policing to check insecurity, as part of activities to mark the 2025 National Police Day celebration.

The occasion brought together key stakeholders, including state government officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, Police Community Relations Committee and women groups, among others.

The state Commissioner of Police, Bello Shehu, stressed the significance of the day and the importance of community policing and collaboration.

Mr Shehu said, “I want to assure the people of Katsina State that we will do everything within our power to combat this scourge and restore peace and security to our communities. Banditry has become a major threat to our collective security and prosperity and resulted in the loss of lives, displacement of people and destruction of property. But, I want to assure you that we will not relent in our efforts to defeat these bandits and restore normalcy to our state.’’

Mr Shehu said that their strategy would be built around a multi-faceted approach, while working closely with other security agencies, including the military, to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the banditry challenge.

He, however, said that the police cannot do it alone and needed the cooperation and support of the people of the state.

“We need your information, your intelligence, and your partnership to succeed. We urge you to report any suspicious activity or movements to the police or other security agencies for prompt action,” he said.

In their separate remarks, the stakeholders applauded the Inspector-General of Police , Kayode Egbetokun, for directing state commands to celebrate the day by creating awareness on the issues related to community policing.

PCRC Organising Secretary, Amina Lawal-Daura and the NAWOJ Chairman, Hannatu Muhammad, assured to continue to join hands with the police to combat crimes in the state.

They pledged unrelenting support to the new CP to enable him to reduce criminal activities in the state to the barest minimum.

(NAN)