Police seek public help to improve policing in Jigawa

A section of participants at the police and stakeholders meeting to mark 2026 customer's week in Jigawa state. Photo: Salisu Kabuga

The Jigawa State Police Command has interfaced with critical stakeholders to identify gaps in policing and strengthen public trust as part of activities marking the 2026 Customers’ Week.

PUNCH Online gathered that the strategic engagement, which drew participants from across the Dutse metropolis, was convened under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Tijjani Murtala, through the command’s SERVICOM Office, to deepen community participation and foster a more responsive policing environment.

In his remarks while presiding over the event held on Wednesday at the Dutse Area Command Headquarters, the Commissioner of Police, represented by ACP Malum Garba, said sustainable peace and effective crime prevention require collective efforts.

“Sustainable peace and effective crime prevention require the collective efforts of law enforcement agencies, community leaders, transport unions, civil society groups and citizens,” the CP said.

He urged the stakeholders to remain dependable partners of the police by sharing credible information and supporting initiatives designed to safeguard lives and property.

The Commissioner’s representative reiterated the command’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, accountability and respect for the rights and dignity of members of the public.

“The importance of continuous dialogue with stakeholders cannot be overemphasised, because constructive feedback from the community remains indispensable to identifying gaps, addressing legitimate concerns and improving overall effectiveness of policing operations,” he added.

Accordingly, ACP Garba reaffirmed the command’s commitment to sustaining regular engagement with relevant stakeholders as a fundamental component of its community policing strategy.

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He also acknowledged that, “Effective policing is strengthened when citizens are actively involved in crime prevention, intelligence sharing and promotion of peaceful coexistence.”

Shedding more light on the event shortly after, the Jigawa State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Shi’isu Adam, said the engagement brought together critical community partners to identify gaps in policing in the state.

According to him, the meeting provided a platform for frank discussions on security issues.

“It provided an opportunity for candid interaction between the police and members of the public on matters relating to community safety, public complaints, police-community relations and the challenges confronting effective policing at the grassroots,” the PPRO added.

Adam explained further how stakeholders at the meeting were encouraged to speak freely and use official channels for complaints.

“Stakeholders were encouraged to offer constructive observations, communicate security concerns and make appropriate use of established channels for complaints and redress,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that the engagement brought together representatives of the Police Community Relations Committee, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, National Association of Transport Owners, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Okada riders, Hisbah, Vigilante, Miyetti Allah, Community Neighbourhood Watch and other relevant groups within the Dutse metropolis.

The meeting was also attended by the Area Commander, Metro, Dutse Area Command, alongside all Divisional Police Officers serving under the Area Command, the Officer-in-Charge of the SERVICOM Office and other police officers.