By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

As preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum, Kano state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, is proactively taking the Bull by the Horn, as he has commenced engagements of all stakeholders, including leaders of political parties, opinion leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), youth groups, students, women leaders, among others, intimating them on the need to ensure patriotism and resilience so as to achieve free, fair, violemce-free and peaceful 2027 general elections in Kano state.

Even with the commencement of Presidential and National Assembly campaigns, Mr. Bakori, has commenced aggressive lectures and sensitization programmes for Operational Commanders, officers and men of the Command, including youths across the state, unveiling strategic roadmap for enhanced security, peace and order, before, during and after the election circle.

On Thursday, the Kano Police boss hosted political party leaders and contestants, urging them to advise their supporters on the need to ensure peaceful conduct before, during, and after the 2027 general elections. He held a strategic engagement meeting with political party leaders and contestants at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, Kano. CP Bakori said the meeting was convened to ensure that political activities leading to the 2027 general elections are conducted peacefully, lawfully, and without threatening the security of Kano State.

He noted that Kano’s large population and political influence make responsible conduct imperative, warning that poorly managed campaigns could lead to violence, intimidation, and destruction of property. The Kano Commissioner of Police, charged political party leaders and contestants to shun hate speech, fake news and incitement both online and offline; reject violence and thuggery in all forms, physical or digital; respect the Electoral Act 2022 and INEC guidelines, including obtaining permits for rallies; call supporters to order and take responsibility for their conduct.

The representative of the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) spoke on electoral guidelines. Also, representatives of 13 political parties present at the meeting, delivered goodwill messages and pledged support for the Kano Police Command’s peace initiative.

CP Bakori assured a level playing field and stated that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, will: provide adequate security for INEC facilities, candidates, and campaign venues; intensify intelligence and proactive policing; establish an Election Security Situation Room and Complaint Response Desk. He warned that anyone, regardless of status, found breaching public peace or committing electoral offenses will be arrested and prosecuted. Mr. Bakori urged all party leaders and contestants to preach: “Peace First. Kano First. Nigeria First,” and to make Kano a model for peaceful elections.

Last Sunday, Mr. Bakori convened a strategic meeting with all Operational Commanders of the Command at the Police Headquarters, Bompai, Kano. The meeting, which brought together Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, Squadron Commanders, and Heads of Departments, was convened to review the security situation in the State and reposition the Command for more effective service delivery.

CP Bakori expressed appreciation to the Operational Commanders for their dedication, professionalism, and outstanding performance. He specifically commended the Commanders for: sustained efforts in crime prevention across the State; prompt response to distress calls and emergencies; improved community engagement and public trust-building initiatives.

Mr. Bakori noted that the relative peace and stability currently enjoyed in Kano State are direct results of the teamwork and commitment of the Commanders and their personnel.

After receiving detailed operational briefs from all formations, the Commissioner issued the following directives to enhance security across the State: proactive policing: all Commanders are to intensify targeted operations aimed at checkmating remnants of criminal elements and preventing any breakdown of law and order; sustained visibility: ensure round-the-clock visibility patrols, stop-and-search operations, and monitoring of identified black spots to deter crime; intelligence-led operations: strengthen intelligence gathering through community partnership, PCRC, and credible informants to enable swift and decisive action.

Inter-agency synergy: deepen collaboration with sister security agencies for a coordinated approach to security management in Kano State; IGP’s directive on supervision: in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, all Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Squadron Commanders are to adopt “management by working around.” They are to personally supervise their officers in the field, provide on-the-spot guidance, and ensure discipline, professionalism and prompt response to security challenges.

The Kano Police boss further charged all Commanders to provide effective leadership and close supervision to their personnel. He emphasized the need for officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the Rule of Law. Mr. Bakori issued a stern warning against corruption, extortion, abuse of office, and any conduct capable of eroding public confidence in the Police. He reiterated that any officer found culpable will face appropriate disciplinary and legal actions in accordance with the Police Act and Regulations. He further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the people-oriented policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu.

CP Bakori reassured the good people of Kano State of the Command’s unwavering resolve to protect lives and property. He urged residents to continue to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information through the Command’s emergency lines. He said the Kano State Police Command remains committed to delivering a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for all residents.

On Tuesday, CP Bakori delivered a lecture to another set of Police Officers of the rank of Police Constable (PC) and Corporal (CPL) as part of the ongoing continuous retraining programme at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, Kano. The lecture focused on lawful and professional conduct in the use of firearms. The retraining programme is in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, aimed at strengthening discipline, professionalism, and respect for human rights among officers across all ranks.

Prior to the lecture, the Commanding Officer, No. 52 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, briefed the Commissioner that the officers are currently undergoing a one-month intensive Combat and Weapon Handling Training at No. 52 and No. 9 Police Mobile Force Squadrons, Challawa and Hotoro respectively. As part of the ongoing training, the officers are being taken through sessions on discipline and professionalism, jungle justice, human rights, intelligence gathering, public relations and social media, IED identification, musketry, crowd control, specie escort, ambush and counter-ambush, drill and other operational subjects aimed at enhancing their capacity for effective service delivery.

The Commissioner of Police commended the two Police Mobile Force Commanders for their commitment and dedication in the retraining of personnel. He noted that the continuous retraining exercise will be sustained and extended across all ranks in the Command to ensure uniform standards of professionalism and operational competence.

In his lecture, CP Bakori emphasized that the use of firearms must be guided strictly by law, policy and professional ethics. He stated that a firearm is a tool of last resort meant for the protection of life and not for intimidation, threat, or punishment. He charged the officers to apply minimum force, prioritize de-escalation, respect human rights at all times, and ensure proper accountability and safekeeping of their weapons. He warned that negligence, misuse, or failure to report any discharge will attract severe disciplinary and legal consequences in accordance with the Police Act and Regulations.

The Commissioner of Police further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the people-oriented policing agenda of the Inspector-General of Police. During the questions and answers session, the Commissioner of Police stated that he was highly impressed with the officers’ level of understanding, comportment and commitment. He encouraged them to remain good ambassadors of the Nigeria Police Force and to always police with courage, wisdom and respect for the law.

In his vote of thanks, the Commanding Officer, No. 9 Police Mobile Force (PMF) Squadron, Hotoro, Kano, ACP Afeez Oyekan, appreciated the Commissioner of Police for personally engaging the officers. He assured the CP Bakori that the officers were happy to interact with him one-on-one and to learn from his wealth of experience and professional guidance.

CP Bakori reassured the good people of Kano State of the Command’s unwavering commitment to building a disciplined, responsive, and rights-respecting Police Force. He urged residents to continue to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information to enhance safety and security across the State.

More so, CP Bakori, has urged youths to desist from political thuggery and cyber bullying, as the Kano state police Command carried out medical outreach and public enlightenment on maintenance of peace and order as part of activities to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day.

Mr. Bakori reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to youth Inclusion, community policing, and peaceful coexistence, even as the 2027 election circle approaches. He advised youths and residents of Kano state to remain patriotic and law-abiding as campaigns and other preparations for the 2027 general elections begin.

The commemoration was held in compliance with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and in line with the United Nations theme: “Different Contexts, Common Aspirations.” As part of the three-day commemoration, the Command conducted free medical outreach at Sharada Phase II Quarters, Kano Municipal Local Government Area.

Medical personnel from the Command’s Medical Services and partner health professionals provided free consultations, medications, vital checks, and health education to residents. The initiative was aimed at promoting healthy living and strengthening Police-Community relations.

The Command featured live public enlightenment programs on Dala FM 88.5 Kano and Freedom Radio 99.5FM Kano. The programmes focused on youth involvement in crime prevention, the dangers of political and digital thuggery, responsible use of social media, and available channels for reporting security concerns.

Members of the public, especially youth, were urged to partner with the Police by providing timely and credible information. The grand finale was a major Police-Youth Dialogue held at the Police Officers’ Mess, Bompai, Kano.

The engagement provided a platform for young people to interact directly with Police leadership and Divisional Police Officers, DPOs, on issues of security, public trust, crime prevention, responsible citizenship, and Police-Youth partnership.

During the dialogue, the Command formally launched the Kano State Campaign: “My Future Is Greater Than Political and Digital Thuggery.” The campaign is designed to discourage youth involvement in political violence, electoral thuggery, digital manipulation, misinformation, and all forms of online exploitation.

The engagement brought together diverse youth groups including Young Lawyers, Civil Society Organizations, CSOs, Student bodies from NANS and NAKS, Assistant Superintendents of Police – Graduates of Nigeria Police Academy Wudil, Young Journalists, Youth Female Bodies, National Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Youth Persons with Disabilities, Young Marketers, Kungiyar Kare Mutunci, Young Footballers, Youth Media Influencers, and other community policing stakeholders.

The Commissioner of Police personally supervised all the activities to ensure adequate security, effective coordination, media coverage, and active participation of stakeholders.

In his address, the Commissioner reiterated the Command’s commitment to the IGP’s agenda of proactive, public engagement-driven policing and youth inclusion in national security. He charged the youth to take ownership of the initiatives and to serve as ambassadors of peace, law, and responsible digital citizenship. “Our youth are the greatest asset of Kano State and Nigeria. We must protect their future by rejecting violence, rejecting manipulation, and embracing dialogue, education, and lawful enterprise,” Mr. Bakori stated.