By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of the Northwest Geopolitical Zone, Suleiman Muhammad Abdul Gwaram, has commended officers and men of the Jigawa State Police Command for their exceptional performance in combating crime, urging them to remain proactive and sustain pressure on criminal elements across the state.
The DIG gave the commendation during a stakeholders’ engagement and lecture session with officers and men of the command at the Jigawa State Police Headquarters in Dutse on Thursday.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, DIG Gwaram conveyed a special message from the nation’s police chief, praising the command’s commitment, courage and recent successes in crime-fighting operations.
“The people are noticing your courage and dedication. Well done. Continue to take the fight directly to criminals. It is far better to strike first and remain on the offensive than to stay reactive,” the IGP said in the message delivered by the DIG.
According to the IGP, criminals are discouraged when confronted by a strong, proactive and well-equipped police force.
“When criminals know that we have the capacity and firepower to confront them, they will think twice. Stay sharp, sustain the momentum and continue to make the force proud,” the message stated.
DIG Gwaram noted that Jigawa has remained one of the most peaceful and stable states in the Northwest region, attributing the achievement to the cooperation between residents, security agencies and dedicated police personnel.
He, however, warned against complacency, stressing that maintaining peace requires constant vigilance and strategic planning.
The DIG directed officers to align their operations with the six strategic pillars of the Inspector-General’s policing agenda, including intelligence-led policing, accountability and human rights compliance, community policing, inter-agency collaboration, operational standardisation and personnel welfare.
He emphasized the need for a shift from conventional reactive policing to intelligence-driven and technology-based law enforcement supported by data analysis, digital forensics and centralized information systems.
“We must not wait for crimes to occur before taking action. Officers should make full use of intelligence gathering, crime data analysis and technology to identify criminal networks and emerging threats before they strike,” he said.
The DIG also called for strict adherence to professional ethics, warning against corruption, misconduct and abuse of power.
“Authority must be exercised with restraint, discipline and full respect for constitutional rights. There is zero tolerance for professional misconduct, corruption and human rights violations,” he stated.
On community policing, Gwaram urged police formations across the state to strengthen engagement with traditional rulers, farmers, herders, youth groups and other stakeholders to address conflicts before they escalate into violence.
He said regular town hall meetings and accessible police leadership would help build public trust and improve intelligence gathering.
The DIG further stressed the importance of collaboration among security agencies, including the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other law enforcement bodies, to ensure seamless intelligence sharing and coordinated responses to security threats.
He specifically directed the Jigawa Command to strengthen “handshake patrols” with neighboring states such as Kano, Katsina and Bauchi to prevent criminals fleeing security operations elsewhere from finding refuge within Jigawa.
“Jigawa must never become a weak link or a safe transit corridor for criminal syndicates escaping pressure from neighboring states,” he warned.
The DIG also ordered intensified vehicle documentation checks and the impounding of unregistered vehicles often used in criminal activities and cross-border operations.
Addressing personnel welfare, he stressed the need for improved housing, healthcare and other welfare initiatives to boost morale and enhance operational efficiency among officers.
He concluded by charging officers to remain disciplined, professional and committed to safeguarding lives and property.
“Live with strategic foresight, protect your communities with respect, and ensure that Jigawa State remains completely hostile to all forms of criminality,” he said.
The event brought together senior police officers, stakeholders and security personnel from across the state as part of efforts to strengthen policing strategies and enhance security coordination in Jigawa State.
