Nasarawa Police Commissioner distances self from Nomad Vigilance group
By Faith Awa Maji
The Commissioner of Police, Nasarawa State Command, CP Umar Nadada has disassociated himself from the recently inaugurated Nomad Vigilante by the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore a Fulani Socio-Cultural Association saying its not recognised by the Police.
The Commissioner of Police made the disclosure while playing host to the officials and members of Nasarawa State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Tuesday in Lafia.
According to the CP, nobody has written formally informing the police of his intention to register any Nomad Vigilante Group.
CP Nadada explained why Police graced the event saying it was to provide security during the Programme. “It is our duty to attend any gathering to provide security and ensure that hoodlums did not hijack the event or the organizers themselves will not do anything illegal.
“Even when they came to our headquarters, I addressed them outside the headquarters of the command because there was no formal notification”, he added.
Nadada explained that the police had been working with vigilante groups that were recognised and would not work with any group that is not recognised by the State,” the Commissioner added.
On the synergy with NUJ, Nadada said that the police was ready to work with the press for proper policing in the State.
The Commissioner said that the contributions of journalists to the development of any society and of course policing of the society cannot be undermined.
“Media practitioners in Nasarawa State have proven to be truly professional in their reportage and have always contacted us to get clarification before publishing or airing.
“The coverage of police activities in the state has been unprecedented and we need to commend you and appeal that it should be sustained.
“Without the coverage of our activities the public will not know the effort we are making in fighting crime and the feat we have achieved,” the CP added.
He also said that the command had concluded plans to expand the anti-kidnapping unit of the police from two to five for more efficiency.
Earlier, Comr. Salihu Alkali, NUJ Chairman in the state congratulated Nadada on his posting as the Commissioner of Police in the state and promised to support him to succeed.
Alkali also commended the Police for their relentless effort toward fighting crime and appealed that they should step up patrol along Nasarawa State Polytechnic Lafia and Federal University of Lafia to tackle the increasing robbery in the areas.
The NUJ Chairman also said that the people in the State were not happy with the formation of Nomad Vigilante and urged the police to do something to address it before it gets out of control.