By Muhammad Nasir
The Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) in charge of Administration and Finance, Mr Suleiman Abdu, has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to sponsor the education of four children of deceased police personnel from primary to secondary school.
Abdu, who also coordinates police operations in the North-West, made the statement on Monday in Sokoto during a meeting with critical stakeholders as part of his two-day operational visit to the Sokoto State Police Command.
He said the initiative forms part of several welfare programmes introduced by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Olatunji Disu, aimed at improving the welfare and operational efficiency of officers and men of the force nationwide.
According to him, the IGP has also taken significant steps to ensure the prompt payment of gratuities, pensions and other entitlements due to retired and deceased police personnel and their families.
“The current police management under the leadership of the IGP is fully committed to improving the welfare of officers through training, retraining and the provision of necessary equipment for effective policing across the country,” he said.
Abdu stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains a collective responsibility, calling on citizens to support security agencies in the fight against crime and insecurity.
He urged police personnel to remain disciplined, professional and patriotic in the discharge of their duties.
“We must carry out our responsibilities with the fear of God. No citizen should be harassed or molested by any police officer,” he said.
The DIG noted that community cooperation remains a vital tool in addressing security challenges, adding that both the police and the public must work together to promote accountability and celebrate successes in crime prevention.
He also highlighted the strategic importance of Sokoto state in Nigeria’s security architecture and commended the sustained support provided by the state government, the Sultanate Council and residents of the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Hayatu Shaffa, described the DIG’s visit as a significant step towards strengthening police operations and enhancing security in the state.
Shaffa commended the IGP for his commitment to the modernisation and professionalisation of the Nigeria Police Force.
He stated that Sokoto state remains a critical trade corridor, sharing both local and international borders, a situation that presents unique security challenges.
The commissioner also described Sokoto as a spiritual centre of Nigeria and the seat of the Sultan of Sokoto, the spiritual leader of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah.
He further appreciated the state government for its continued support to the command through the provision of operational vehicles and financial assistance, which he said had greatly enhanced policing activities in the state.
