Zamfara State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmad Mohammed Bello, has emphasized the critical role of the media in promoting security and development, describing journalists as indispensable partners in building an informed and stable society.
The Commissioner made the remarks during a courtesy visit to the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zamfara State Council, in Gusau.
CP Bello noted that no society can thrive without the media, describing it as the fourth arm of governance due to its influence in shaping public opinion and holding institutions accountable.
“A society devoid of media practitioners is a society that is deaf and dumb,” he said. “This clearly shows why partnering and networking with media professionals is essential, especially in a state like Zamfara.”
The Commissioner of Police also assured residents particularly farmers of strengthened security measures as the state prepares for the forthcoming rainy farming season.
According to him, the police command is rolling out special tactical operations designed to protect farmers and rural communities from persistent threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling.
“God willing, in the next two to three months, you will notice serious improvement in the security of lives and property,” Bello stated, expressing confidence that ongoing efforts would significantly curb criminal activities.
CP Bello emphasized that recent attacks in parts of the state would be decisively confronted, adding that the command is committed to reclaiming affected communities and ensuring residents can return to normal life without fear.
He stressed that access to information remains vital in addressing the security challenges confronting the state, adding that keeping the public informed is key to effective policing and law enforcement.
“When people are not informed, they are deformed. We want citizens to be adequately informed about our activities because we are public servants accountable to the people,” he said.
CP Bello reaffirmed his commitment to tackling insecurity in the state, including kidnapping, banditry, cattle rustling, armed robbery, and other related crimes.
“As managers of security, it is our responsibility to ensure that citizens are well informed before any law can be effectively enforced,” he added.
He pointed out that the Command’s doors are open 24 hours a day, noting that officers remain accessible both within and outside the office.
Highlighting the link between security and development, CP Bello said economic, religious, and political activities can only thrive in a secure environment.
“Without security, even worship and commercial activities cannot be carried out effectively. Security is everybody’s business,” he said.
The Commissioner, however, urged journalists to embrace constructive criticism in their reportage, aimed at fostering development rather than undermining progress.
“We are open to criticism, but it must be constructive. Destructive criticism will not take us anywhere. We want criticism that will move Zamfara State, Nigeria, and humanity forward,” he added.
CP Bello further expressed optimism that ongoing security measures would soon yield positive results, assuring residents that efforts were underway to curb criminal activities across the state.
“I assure you that in the next two to three weeks, the narrative will begin to change as we continue to put necessary structures in place,” he stated.
He also called on the media to support efforts to attract investors to the state by projecting positive developments, stressing that journalists play a key role in shaping the image of Zamfara to the outside world.
In a remark, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zamfara State Council, Ibrahim Musa Maizare, commended the Commissioner of Police for the historic visit to the NUJ Secretariat, describing it as a milestone in police-media relations in the state.
He noted that the visit marked the first time a sitting Commissioner of Police in Zamfara State officially engaged the NUJ leadership at its secretariat, stressing that it reflects a commitment to fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between the police and the media.
“The visit is a historic moment in the history of the Nigerian Police in Zamfara State. It clearly demonstrates your willingness to build a cordial working relationship with journalists in the state,” he said.
The NUJ chairman reaffirmed the union’s readiness to partner with the police in promoting public awareness, particularly on security matters, through accurate and responsible journalism.
He explained that the NUJ in Zamfara comprises nine chapels, including the Correspondents’ Chapel, NTA Chapel, Zamfara Radio Chapel, Legacy FM Chapel, Pride FM Chapel, Gamji Radio and Television Chapel, Standard Voice Chapel, and Al-Ummah Chapel, all operating under the state council.
According to him, the various chapels remain committed to educating and informing the public, especially on issues relating to safety and security.
Maizare, however, urged the Commissioner of Police to maintain inclusiveness by engaging all media organisations equally, emphasizing that every outlet plays a vital role in information dissemination.
“Please carry everyone along. Every media organisation is important and contributes to the success of your responsibilities and their own work,” he said.
Journalists from various media organisations attended the visit.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
