Embarrassed by the dare devil operation of kidnappers after declaring Kaduna-Abuja road safe for motorists, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu has moved fast to establish Anti-Terrorism Unit (ATU) Based in Kaduna State, aimed at confronting the kidnappers and other criminals.
An enraged police boss, who spoke at a meeting with the Governor of Kaduna State, Nasiru Ahmed el-Rufai in the Government House today, Tuesday, said that the establishment of a new Counter Terrorism Unit in Kaduna State will provide additional manpower and firepower in the reinvigorated fight against criminal elements, especially along the Abuja-Kaduna Express way.
This was even as Governor Nasir El-Rufai commended the IGP on the achievements of Operation Puff Adder even as he promised to support the Police in the establishment of the CTU Base and assist in the acquisition of the needed modern crime fighting technology to fight crimes in the State.
The police boss, who also addressed Northern traditional rulers that gathered in Kaduna today, Tuesday to look into the rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities, stressed the need for the adoption of a potent crime management strategy modelled on the concept of community policing in which policing functions are citizens-centered and community driven.
He said that although the Police have achieved major successes in addressing security and safety threats in recent times, especially since the launch of ‘Operation Puff Adder’, a citizens-centered and community policing approach will lead to more sustainable successes in the management of internal safety and security threats.
The IGP stressed the importance of Community Policing Model, which he said should involve the establishment and utilization of the Special Constables, as provided for in Sec. 50 (1) of the Police Act Cap P19 LFN 2004).
The IGP explained that the Special Constables Model, mirrored after the Police Community Support Officers standard in the United Kingdom policing architecture, “will be tailored to align with the existing traditional security structure in Northern Nigeria.
“The Special Constables will be drawn from members of the community to serve as voluntary community police officers under the coordination of the Nigeria Police Force. This new drive is in line with the expressed desire and directives of the President, His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.”
The IGP identified that our Traditional Rulers are strategic actors within the community policing architecture, and the traditional institutional structure present a unique framework which if properly engaged could enhance the attainment of community policing practices and address communal threats in the most cost-effective and inclusive manner.
The meeting was attended by the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar as the Chairman and other top traditional rulers from the Northern part of the Country.
Also in attendance were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, H.E Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, Minister of Defence, retired Brigadier General Mansur Muhammad Dan Ali and other top Government Functionaries.
