Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state has tasked the police and other security agencies on violence-free and credible 2023 general elections.
According to him, the security agencies are to devise security measures to check violence during the political parties’ electioneering campaigns across the country.
Zulum gave the task, yesterday (Thursday), at a two-day workshop in Maiduguri, the state capital for 300 community policing stakeholders in the Northeast.
“As a prelude to the forthcoming general elections, the Police which is the leading agency in election security should take proactive steps,” he said, adding that this was to ensure that electioneering campaigns are conducted peacefully without any hitch across the country.
Zulum, represented by the Secretary of the State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa reiterated the importance of community policing, as it reduces criminal activities including thugs and gangsters.
In ensuring a hitch-free campaigns, he said that the State government has been collaborating with security agencies through the Civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes to reduce crime in various communities.
Besides, he added that traditional, religious and opinion leaders are being mobilized to actively secure the communities against criminal activities.
While declaring the workshop open on Wednesday, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba said the workshop was designed to deepen the implementation of community policing approved by the Federal government in 2020.
Alkali, represented by the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Zannah Ibrahim; maintained that community policing is the best strategy in addressing the emerging and complex internal security challenges to protect life and property.
The IGP warned the community policing officers against any unethical conduct or unruly behaviors capable of embarrassing the Police.
Representative of the Shehu of Borno, Zanna Borkoma of Borno, Alhaji Mohammed Habib urged the police to provide a comprehensive intelligence sharing model for community leaders and the Police for the success of community policing in the 27 Councils.
