The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi, Ahmed Magaji-Kontagora, has urged traditional rulers to mobilise their subjects in tackling the security challenges in the state.

Mr Magaji-Kontagora made the appeal on Wednesday when he visited the district head of Aliero, Buhari Muhammad.

The visit was part of his familiarisation tour to divisional police headquarters in the state.

He said that would help to build strong synergy and trust between security agencies and citizens and avert the infiltration of criminal elements in the area.

The police boss said it was important for traditional rulers and local government councils to mobilise the people and join forces with security agencies in tackling the security challenges in the state.

“We are very happy with the way the area is peaceful, and we want to maintain its peaceful nature in collaboration with the traditional rulers, local government councils, youths, Keke-NAPEP operators, and NURTW members in the state.

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

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

“All we expect from traditional rulers, LG councils and vehicle operators as well as stakeholders is to come forward with intelligence information on criminal activities in their midst,“ Mr Magaji-Kontagora added. 

He also called on other stakeholders, including development associations, to partner with the police.

“We will enhance community policing to enable residents to come with vital information that will aid the personnel deployed in apprehending criminal elements,” he said.

Earlier, the district head 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 ward off the infiltration of dubious characters in our midst,” Muhammad assured.

Also, Salihu Auwal-Aliero, chairman, Aliero Local Government Area, pledged total and holistic support and cooperation of the community to strengthen security in the area.

(NAN)