Katsina Police Commissioner Leads Road Walk Campaign Against Cultism and Crime
By Zubairu Idris
Katsina, Dec. 20, 2025 (NAN)
In a proactive move to foster community security ahead of the festive season, the Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Bello Shehu, personally led a road walk and public sensitization campaign on Saturday. The event, part of the national Police Campaign Against Cultism and Other Vices (POCACOV), carried the timely theme: ‘Promoting Peace, Preventing Crime this Christmas’.
The walk, which saw officers marching from the State Command Headquarters through Sarki Abdulrahman Way and the GRA in Katsina metropolis, served a dual purpose. Beyond its symbolic value, it was a strategic effort to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the citizens they serve, directly promoting police-community relations.
Commissioner Shehu used the platform to deliver a robust message, emphasizing the command’s unwavering commitment to combating crime and ensuring community safety. He provided crucial context, explaining that crimes like cultism, theft, and violence have a profoundly negative impact on societal development, stifling economic growth, disrupting education, and eroding public trust. His pledge was clear: the command will continue to innovate with initiatives aimed at enhancing the security of lives and property.
The campaign’s focus on cultism is particularly significant. In many Nigerian states, secret cults have evolved from campus-based groups into sophisticated networks involved in armed robbery, kidnapping, and political violence. By addressing this threat head-on, the Katsina police are targeting a root cause of broader criminality. The Commissioner’s call to action went beyond generalities, offering a practical pathway for public collaboration.
“I urge every citizen to intensify efforts in collaborating with the police,” Shehu stated. “Your vigilance is our first line of defense. Report any suspicious activities, especially during this yuletide period when criminal elements may seek to exploit the festivities.”
To make this collaboration as seamless as possible, the command publicized dedicated contact numbers for prompt reporting and response: 08156977777; 07072722539; and 09022209690. Providing these direct lines is a critical step in transforming public goodwill into actionable intelligence.
“Together, let’s make Katsina State safer and more secure, especially this yuletide,” Shehu concluded, framing security as a shared responsibility.
Analysis & Broader Implications: This road walk represents more than a one-off event; it is a visible component of community-oriented policing. By taking the campaign to the streets, the police force demystifies its presence, making officers more approachable. This approach is vital for building the trust necessary for effective crime prevention. When communities see their police leadership actively engaging, it fosters a sense of partnership essential for gathering intelligence and preventing crimes before they occur. Initiatives like POCACOV, when sustained, can significantly alter the narrative from reactive policing to proactive, preventive community safeguarding.
Reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). For more details, visit www.nannews.ng.
ZI/BRM
Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
