By correspondent in Minna.
The Police Command Niger State has initiated a collaborative effort with hoteliers and stakeholders in the hospitality industry across the state in a bid to tackle the growing menace of thuggery and broader security challenges in the state.
The interactive session, held at the Command Headquarters in Dutsen Kura-Gwari, was convened by the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman.
The meeting aimed to explore potential partnerships in combating rising crime, particularly thuggery, which has become a persistent issue in Minna and surrounding areas.
Investigations reveal that many perpetrators of thuggery in the state are non-residents who temporarily lodge in hotels while carrying out their criminal activities before fleeing.
Concerned about the evolving nature and scale of insecurity, CP.A.A Elleman stressed the need for proactive collaboration with hotel operators to track and deter these elements.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu A. Abiodun, the Commissioner emphasized the importance of proper documentation of hotel guests.
He cautioned that individuals posing as regular guests may in fact be criminals using hotel facilities as a base for illegal operations.
“These individuals often use tricycles and motorcycles to rob unsuspecting victims, sometimes inflicting serious injuries or even causing deaths,” the Commissioner said. “They then retreat to hotels where they spend their stolen wealth, often unnoticed by management.”
CP. Elleman urged hoteliers to enhance security protocols, including vigilant observation of guest behavior and limiting room occupancy to one guest per room when necessary. He also encouraged heightened awareness for the safety of both lives and property.
The Commissioner appealed to the general public for support through timely intelligence sharing, reinforcing the need for a united front against criminal activities in the state.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
