The Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the North Central zone, DIG Ishyaku Mohammed, has urged Nigerians to use emergency lines and official communication channels to report crimes and criminal activities.
Mohammed made the appeal on Monday during a stakeholders’ engagement at the Kogi State Police Command in Lokoja.
The meeting drew traditional rulers, members of the Police Community Relations Committee, representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Students, the Nigerian Bar Association, youth groups, civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations.
“The Nigeria Police Force has provided emergency lines and communication channels. I urge every citizen to make use of them,” he said.
Mohammed said he was in Kogi on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Rilwan Olatunji Disu, NPM, to discuss collective security and public safety with key stakeholders.
According to him, security is a shared responsibility and cannot be handled by the police alone.
“Security is everybody’s business. The Police alone cannot secure our communities without the active support and participation of the people.
“This is your state. We will not allow criminals to take over.
“This state belongs to all of us. We cannot and will not surrender it to criminals, kidnappers, armed robbers, cultists, drug traffickers, terrorists, or any other elements that threaten our peace and security. But we cannot achieve this objective alone. We need your support.”
He urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents, youth groups and community leaders to play active roles in crime prevention and peacebuilding.
“Promptly report suspicious movements and activities,” he said, stressing that information remains a key weapon against crime.
Mohammed also warned residents against protecting criminals.
“Anyone who protects criminals becomes an enabler of criminality.
“Communities must collectively reject criminals and deny them safe havens,” he noted.
