As the 2025 Christmas and New Year festivities approach, the Chairman of Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area in Kano State, Alhaji Anas Danmaliki, has issued a detailed assurance of robust security for all residents. In an exclusive interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the chairman outlined a multi-layered strategy designed to foster a peaceful and secure environment for celebration, irrespective of faith or community.
Chairman Danmaliki emphasized that the local government administration has moved beyond generic promises to implement concrete, actionable measures. “Our goal is to create an atmosphere where every resident can celebrate without fear for their lives or property,” he stated. This proactive stance is critical in Nigeria’s current security landscape, where festive periods can sometimes see heightened tensions or criminal activity. The chairman’s assurance serves as both a public commitment and a deterrent, signaling to potential bad actors that the area is on high alert.
A Four-Pillar Security Framework
The security plan rests on four key pillars, representing a blend of formal and community-based tactics:
- Intensified Patrols & Strategic Checkpoints: Security agencies have been directed to increase visibility through round-the-clock patrols of residential areas, markets, and places of worship. Strategically placed checkpoints will monitor the inflow and outflow of traffic, serving as both a filter for suspicious movement and a reassuring presence for the community.
- Collaboration with Vigilante Groups: Recognizing the invaluable local knowledge of community vigilantes, the council has formalized collaboration with these groups. This partnership bridges the gap between formal security architecture and grassroots intelligence, creating a more responsive security network.
- Continuous Surveillance: Beyond physical patrols, surveillance efforts will leverage both technology and human intelligence to monitor the area throughout the festive period, allowing for pre-emptive responses to potential threats.
- Community Engagement through Leadership: Perhaps the most insightful aspect of the plan is the engagement of traditional rulers (Emirs and Village Heads) and religious leaders. These trusted figures are tasked with mobilizing their followers to serve as the “eyes and ears” of the security apparatus, encouraging the prompt reporting of suspicious activities. This approach tackles security not just as a policing issue, but as a shared communal responsibility.
The Critical Role of Public Cooperation
Danmaliki made a direct appeal for resident cooperation, a component often overlooked in security planning. “Security is a shared responsibility,” he noted, urging citizens to remain vigilant, report unusual occurrences, and maintain harmonious relations with one another. This call underscores that the most sophisticated security measures can be undermined without active public participation and social cohesion.
Beyond Security: A Promise of Inclusive Governance
Significantly, the chairman extended his message beyond the festive season, assuring that the local administration remains committed to policies and programs that improve the well-being of all residents. The explicit mention of “regardless of political affiliation” is a powerful statement in Nigeria’s often politically charged environment, positioning good governance and safety as universal rights rather than partisan privileges.
This comprehensive briefing by Chairman Danmaliki transforms a routine security assurance into a blueprint for community safety. It provides residents with transparent insight into the measures being taken, clarifies their own role in the process, and reaffirms the government’s broader commitment to inclusive development—offering a model for other local governments during periods of heightened public activity.
Edited by Isaac Ukpoju
Source: NAN News
