The Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Zachariah Fera Achinyan, has expressed confidence in the ability of the Nigeria Police Force to contain criminal activities across the country, insisting that security threats will not overpower the force despite existing operational challenges.

Achinyan spoke at a stakeholders’ engagement and consultative meeting held at the Bauchi State Police Command Headquarters during a security assessment tour of the North-East.

According to him, while the police continue to face logistical and operational constraints, officers remain committed to protecting lives and property and have the professional capacity to respond to evolving security threats.

He stated that criminals have become more sophisticated, particularly with the rise of cyber-related offences, but maintained that the force is adapting its strategies to meet emerging challenges.

The DIG, however, said lasting success in the fight against crime would depend largely on the cooperation of citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders and community groups.

Security cannot be achieved by the police alone. Communities must work with law enforcement agencies through information sharing and active participation in crime prevention efforts,” he said.

Achinyan explained that his visit to Bauchi was part of a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to engage stakeholders across the North-East, assess security concerns and strengthen collaboration between the police and the public.

He also emphasized the need for officers to remain professional and operate within the confines of the law, noting that public trust remains critical to effective policing.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Police in Bauchi State, CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu, highlighted some of the challenges facing the command, including inadequate operational vehicles, shortage of arms and ammunition, insufficient surveillance equipment and limited mobility in difficult terrains.

Despite these constraints, he said the command had recorded notable successes in recent months through intelligence-led operations and support from other security agencies.

Aliyu disclosed that police operatives investigated 294 suspects for various offences within the last six months and secured 28 convictions during the period.

He added that security personnel recovered several firearms, vehicles and motorcycles linked to criminal activities, while 29 kidnapped victims were rescued during operations conducted in different parts of the state.

The police commissioner identified banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed robbery and youth-related violence as the major security threats confronting Bauchi State, calling for increased government investment in security infrastructure and equipment.

Stakeholders at the meeting commended the efforts of security agencies and pledged continued support towards improving security across the state.