By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
In a decisive move to boost security and deepen stakeholder collaboration, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Miller G. Dantawaye, has embarked on a strategic tour of the Ajaokuta Area Command.
The visit, described as timely and impactful, aims to reinforce the Command’s commitment to proactive policing and inclusive community safety , according to the statement signed by the Police Command’s spokesperson,SP William Ovie Aya and sent to The Reporters in Lokoja on Thursday.
CP Dantawaye’s first stop was West Africa Ceramics, a major industrial player in the region. Welcomed by company management led by Mr. Bello A.A., where the Commissioner emphasized the indispensable role of private sector collaboration in ensuring security and sustainable economic growth.
The company recalled the Nigeria Police’s swift intervention during a 2022 attempted kidnapping, a testimony to the strength of such partnerships.
At BN Ceramics, Mr. James, a company executive, praised the cooperation between their facility and the Mobile Police Unit stationed on-site.
He noted that consistent patrols and timely responses to threats have been effective deterrents against criminal incursions into factory zones and staff residential areas.
However, the firm expressed concern over growing cases of fraud, including impersonation and the circulation of fake ceramic products.
CP Dantawaye responded firmly, assuring that the Command is actively investigating such cases and will pursue all credible leads.
“No genuine complaint will be ignored,” he stated, urging stakeholders to remain alert and cooperative.
Highlighting the essence of trust and communication, the CP encouraged companies to share intelligence and maintain open lines of dialogue with security operatives.
“The safety of lives and investments is not the duty of security agencies alone,it is a shared obligation,” he said.
Beyond industrial sites, the CP engaged community leaders, traditional rulers, and heads of sister agencies in Itobe, Adogo, and Ajaokuta.
These interactions aimed to reinforce grassroots intelligence operations and combat rising threats such as kidnapping, armed robbery, and infrastructure vandalism.
Addressing stakeholders, CP Dantawaye stressed the importance of synergy among security outfits and the local populace.
“Security thrives when we work as one family. Vigilantes, hunters, police, and communities must operate in harmony for peace to prevail,”he said
He , however,cautioned against mob actions and called for vigilance, urging residents to report suspicious activities and misconduct.
“Mob justice is chaos. We must uphold the rule of law. If you see something, say something,”he said.
The District Head of Itobe, His Royal Highness Alhaji Saliu A. Ocholi, lauded the police for their dedication and visibility, describing the CP’s visit as a confidence-boosting gesture.
“Your presence strengthens our hope in law enforcement,” he said.
To foster responsiveness, the CP publicly shared his direct emergency contact, reassuring citizens of swift and professional attention to any security complaint.
He reiterated his full support for all officers under his command, from top brass to frontline personnel.
In a solemn moment, CP Dantawaye honored fallen officers, especially CSP M. Baba Ali of Kano Command, urging all to uphold the peace for which they laid their lives.
“Kogi must be safe, and that responsibility is ours,together,” he declared.
Our correspondent reports that the Commissioner’s tour of Ajaokuta marks the beginning of broader engagements across the state’s Area Commands, aimed at institutionalizing community policing, strengthening accountability, and building enduring public trust.
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