New Jigawa Commissioner of Police, promises political neutrality, ahead of 2027
By Ali Baba-Inuwa
The new Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, Alhaji Tijjani Murtala, has promised to maintain neutrality among political parties in the state, ahead of the 2027 poll.
Murtala stated this at his Maiden Press Briefing on Monday in Dutse.
He said that the command would not be use as an instrument for political harassment or intimidation.
“The command will maintain strict neutrality and professionalism in all political matters.
“We will not allow the police command to be used as an instrument for political intimidation, harassment, or victimization.
“At the same time, we will not tolerate political thuggery, the mobilization of criminal elements, destruction of property, violent campaigns, hate speech capable of inciting violence, or any conduct that threatens the peace of the state.
“All political actors are therefore encouraged to conduct their activities peacefully and within the confines of the law.
“The message is clear: political differences must never become a justification for violence,” Murtala stated.
The Commissioner of Police also promised a war against cybercrime and Cult-Related Activities.
“The Command will pay particular attention to emerging forms of criminality involving young people, especially cybercrime, internet-enabled fraud, online blackmail, identity-related offences, and other forms of digital criminality.
“We shall equally strengthen our efforts against cult-related practices, recruitment, initiation, violence, and other activities capable of endangering students and youths,” he said.
Murtala promised an enhanced security in the state.
“Let me assure the people of Jigawa State that I have come with a clear mandate: to strengthen the existing security architecture, consolidate the gains already recorded, and further improve the safety and security of lives and property across the state.
“My leadership will be anchored on professionalism, discipline, accountability, intelligence-led policing, community partnership, respect for human rights, and a zero-tolerance approach to crime and criminality.
“We shall intensify police visibility across the state through regular and strategic township patrols, particularly during the night hours when criminal elements may attempt to exploit reduced human activity.
“Weekend patrols will be strengthened in major cities and urban centres, while special security arrangements will be deployed during major market days to protect traders, customers, transporters, and other members of the public.
“We shall equally conduct joint security operations in identified flashpoints, vulnerable locations, suspected criminal hideouts, and other areas requiring special attention,” he said.
Murtala said that the object was to prevent crime and ensure security across the state.
“Our objective is simple: to prevent crime before it occurs, respond swiftly when incidents arise, and deny criminals the freedom to operate,” he said.
Murtala also said that the police would enforce traffic regulations in the state.
“The Command will sustain enforcement against motorists and vehicle owners who violate existing laws, particularly the unauthorized covering of vehicle registration plate numbers, defaced or obscured number plates, unauthorized tinted glasses, vehicles without proper registration, and other related traffic offences.
“This exercise will be conducted professionally and in accordance with the law, without harassment or intimidation of members of the public.
“I therefore call on motorists to comply with all relevant regulations and avoid actions that could frustrate security identification and law-enforcement operations,” he said.
Murtala also promised to fight illicit drug use in the state.
“The Command will launch a sustained and intelligence-driven onslaught against the illicit drug trade, abuse, distribution, and trafficking.
“We recognize the dangerous relationship between drug abuse and violent crime, youth delinquency, cultism, sexual violence, street violence, and other forms of criminality.
“Accordingly, we shall work closely with relevant agencies, community leaders, parents, schools, religious institutions, and youth organizations to prevent the spread of illicit drugs while ensuring that suspected dealers and traffickers are brought to justice in accordance with the law,” he said.
