The Assistant Inspector-General of Police overseeing Zone 14, Bello Shehu, has ordered a coordinated and intensified offensive against banditry and other violent crimes in Katsina and Kaduna states.
The directive was announced in a statement released on Saturday in Katsina by the Police Public Relations Officer for the zone, ASP Umar Muhammad.
According to the statement, the action forms part of the wider operational framework introduced by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, which is focused on proactively addressing the growing security challenges across the country, particularly incidents of banditry.
As part of the directive, Shehu instructed the Commissioners of Police in Katsina and Kaduna to deploy specialised tactical units to critical locations. These units are expected to establish operational dominance, dismantle criminal networks, and maintain a visible presence in areas identified as high-risk.
He also called for stronger collaboration with other security agencies, urging the adoption of joint operations to enhance intelligence gathering, information sharing, and rapid response to emerging threats.
“All tactical units have been placed on red alert,” the statement said.
In addition, officers have been mandated to carry out sustained patrols across forests, rural communities, major highways, places of worship, and other public spaces to deter criminal activity and reassure residents.
The AIG further directed supervisory officers to enforce discipline within the ranks, ensure operational effectiveness, and maintain accountability among personnel involved in the operations.
He also appealed to residents of Katsina and Kaduna states to remain alert and cooperate with security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in combating criminal activities.
