New Sokoto CP Hayyatu Shafa Takes Charge, Vows to Crush Terrorism and Restore Peace

The battle against insecurity in Sokoto State has entered a new phase as the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Hayyatu Shafa, officially assumed office on Monday with a stern warning to terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers operating within the state.

Speaking during his maiden address at the State Command Headquarters, CP Shafa declared that his administration would prioritize the total protection of lives, property, and the religious freedoms of all citizens. He emphasized that the primary duty of any responsible government is the maintenance of law and order, noting that the current wave of insecurity has caused far too much displacement, economic disruption, and loss of innocent lives across the state’s communities.

To combat these challenges, the Commissioner unveiled a robust strategy centered on intelligence-led policing. He stated that the command would move away from reactive measures toward a more proactive approach, leveraging modern surveillance tools and intensified intelligence gathering to anticipate and disrupt criminal activities before they occur. This shift is designed to dismantle the operational networks of bandits who have long terrorized rural parts of the state.

CP Shafa also stressed the importance of a “united front” in the fight against crime. He called for a stronger synergy between the police and other security agencies, including the military and relevant paramilitary institutions. Beyond inter-agency cooperation, the new police boss signaled a heavy reliance on community engagement, urging residents to become active partners in policing by providing timely information to the authorities.

The Commissioner further assured the public of an immediate increase in visibility through heightened patrols and targeted operations in identified flashpoints. He noted that the command is particularly committed to implementing special measures to protect vulnerable groups who have borne the brunt of the recent violence.

As CP Shafa begins his tenure, the people of Sokoto remain hopeful that this new leadership will translate into a tangible reduction in the daring attacks that have plagued the “Seat of the Caliphate” in recent years.