By Terna Chikpa
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, has urged residents of Taraba State to strengthen collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force by providing credible and timely intelligence to help combat criminal activities.
The IGP made the call during the commissioning of the new Police Command Headquarters in Jalingo, stressing that effective policing requires the active participation of local communities through the provision of reliable information on criminal elements operating within their areas.
He noted that traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and the media have critical roles to play in supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence to ensure a safer society.
The IGP, who was represented by the Taraba State Commissioner of Police, CP Moorkwap Dongshal Sebastine, said the newly completed Police Command Headquarters would serve as a strategic centre for coordinating security operations, promoting professionalism, and improving service delivery across the state.
He expressed confidence that the facility would enhance security operations, improve the welfare of police personnel, and strengthen police-community relations in Taraba State.
Disu commended the Federal Government, the Taraba State Government, the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, security stakeholders, and other partners whose contributions made the project possible.
“While I urge officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold professionalism in the discharge of their duties, I wish to emphasise that effective policing requires collaboration with local communities through the provision of credible and timely information on criminal activities and criminal elements within their areas.
“Traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, civil society organisations, and the media must work closely with security agencies by providing timely and credible intelligence to ensure a safer society,” the IGP stated.
The police chief further assured that the welfare of police personnel remains a top priority, noting that motivated officers are better equipped to carry out their responsibilities professionally and effectively.
According to him, the Force will continue to improve working conditions through the provision of better office facilities, accommodation, healthcare services, training opportunities, and other welfare initiatives.
He described the new headquarters as a symbol of institutional growth and the Force’s commitment to modern policing, urging officers to maintain the facility to preserve its value for future generations.
In his remarks, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state, noting that security remains the foundation for peace, economic growth, social harmony, and sustainable development.
The governor, who was represented by the Commandant of the Taraba Marshals, CP Abeh Cyril (Rtd.), described the edifice as a collective effort aimed at enhancing security infrastructure and improving the operational capacity of law enforcement agencies in the state.
According to him, the completion of the modern Police Command Headquarters demonstrates the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigeria Police Trust Fund to building a safer and more prosperous society.
“Security remains the foundation upon which peace, economic growth, social harmony and sustainable development are built. No society can attain its full potential without a secure environment, which is why my administration continues to accord security the highest priority,” he said.
The governor commended the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund for facilitating the project, noting that the facility would provide a conducive working environment for officers and enhance operational efficiency, coordination, and service delivery.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of security personnel in maintaining law and order and combating crime across Taraba State.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (NPTF), Alhaji Mohammed Sheidu, said the commissioning of the facility underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening security infrastructure and improving the welfare of police personnel across the country.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising security under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Sheidu said the project was designed to provide officers with a conducive working environment that would enhance operational efficiency, professionalism, and service delivery.