The Sokoto State Police Command has commenced strategic preparations for the 2027 general elections, directing its formations across the state to intensify operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes capable of threatening the electoral process.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Hayatu Hassan Shaffa, gave the directive during a strategic security meeting with Divisional Police Officers, heads of departments, tactical commanders and members of the command’s management team at the Police Command Headquarters in Sokoto.

The meeting reviewed the state’s security situation, with particular attention to preparations for the 2027 electioneering campaigns, emerging security challenges and the need to strengthen enforcement operations ahead of the elections.

Shaffa directed police commanders to adopt proactive and intelligence-led approaches to policing, including increased patrols, targeted raids and improved intelligence gathering to identify and dismantle criminal networks before they can carry out attacks.

He stressed the importance of preventing criminal activities rather than waiting to respond after incidents have occurred, while assuring residents that the command would continue working to protect lives and property across the state.

The Commissioner also ordered the reactivation of Operation Velvet, an enforcement initiative targeting traffic violations, particularly the “one-way” driving practice, which he said had contributed to fatal road accidents in the state.

He urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, properly register their vehicles and ensure they possess valid tinted-glass permits where required.

Shaffa further cautioned police personnel against incivility and unprofessional conduct, directing officers to treat members of the public with respect and uphold human rights while carrying out their duties.

He reminded officers that the rules governing the use of firearms, as contained in Force Order 237, must be strictly followed, stressing the need for discipline and professionalism within the command.

On community policing, the Commissioner called for stronger cooperation with traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders, describing such collaboration as essential to effective crime prevention and intelligence gathering.

He also disclosed that tactical formations, including the Vehicle Crime Response Unit and Anti-Kidnapping Unit, would be strengthened to intensify operations against banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The police chief urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest police station, assuring them that the command would continue to pursue criminal elements and ensure that those arrested face the law.

The Sokoto preparations come amid wider concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 elections, with security agencies and political stakeholders increasingly calling for peaceful campaigns and responsible political participation.

In a related development, the Kano State Police Command had warned political party leaders and contestants against violence, hate speech, fake news and other activities capable of threatening peace ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Kano Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, issued the warning during a strategic engagement with political party leaders and contestants in Kano.

Bakori urged political actors to comply with the Electoral Act 2022 and guidelines issued by the Independent National Electoral Commission, including obtaining the necessary permits for rallies.

He also called on party leaders to control their supporters and ensure that political activities do not degenerate into violence, intimidation, destruction of property or other criminal acts.

Representatives of 13 political parties who attended the Kano meeting pledged their support for the police command’s peace initiative.

The Kano command also promised to provide security for candidates, campaign venues and INEC facilities while strengthening intelligence gathering, proactive policing and election security structures.

The developments in Kano and Sokoto underline the growing focus by security agencies on preventing violence and criminal activity as political activities gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections.