Sokoto May 8, 2023

Residents of Sokoto have lauded the commitment of the Police and other security agencies for their sustained raids on criminal hideouts in the state metropolis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr. Ali Kaigama, the newly posted Police Commissioner in the state at his maiden address to the Officers and men of the command on Friday vowed to conduct the operations.

Kaigama assured that the state metropolis, major towns and public places would enjoy visibility policing, patrols and raids of black spots in order to eradicate violent crimes, thuggery, communal clashes and other emerging threats.

“This will be done in accordance with international best practices and also we will be mindful of human rights abuses.

“The command will also engage and strengthen the services of PCRC at all divisions, area commands and state headquarters to achieve the set objective,” he said.

Kaigama added that the police, in collaboration with other security personnel would continue to strive to perform their duties diligently to enable the residents to sleep with their two eyes closed.

Malam Musa Dan-Malam, a resident of Mana in Sokoto South Local Government Area, said the police had performed excellently toward ensuring sanity in the environment.

“We had been facing a lot of threats even before the recent political activities, but with the current police raids on criminals, we are experiencing a new lease of life.

“I was a victim of phone snatching. Before now, those criminals will attack innocent residents in broad daylight and collect their handsets and other belongings.

“Moreover, nobody could stop those bad boys, but today, the situation has totally changed. Even in the night one can now move freely without any intimidation,” he said.

Dan-Malam appreciated the security agencies, while appealing to them to sustain the feat to ensure the situation is not reversed.

Also speaking, Madam Patient Emanuel, a resident of Dambuwa, in Dange-Shuni LGA, said the criminal activities of snatching phones, purses and ladies’ bags along the road and in some areas had become more worrisome.

“However, if the security operatives will sustain their raids, the state will return to its position of being the most peaceful in the country,” she said.

On his part, Bello Ahmadu, a resident of Kanwuri in Sokoto North LGA, said the current security operations would bolster business activities and build more confidence in the residents to report criminals.

“Those that continue to terrorise our areas are known, but people are afraid to report them in order not to become victims.

“Therefore, we hope the security agencies will be sincere in their operations in order to win the confidence of the good people of our state,” he said.