By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Lokoja
The newly appointed Commissioner of Police in Kogi State, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has vowed to sustain the fight against banditry, kidnapping, and armed robbery across the state, promising a renewed security drive backed by community cooperation and intelligence-led operations.
Kankarofi made the pledge on Wednesday during his maiden press conference at the State Police Command Headquarters in Lokoja, where he officially assumed duty.
He assured residents that the Command under his leadership would not tolerate any form of criminality, stressing that those involved in terrorism, banditry, or kidnapping would face the full weight of the law, regardless of their social status.
“Our mandate as a police force is to protect lives and property, maintain law and order, among others. Therefore, we will clamp down on criminal elements hibernating in the state,” he stated.
The new police chief appealed for the cooperation of Kogi residents to strengthen efforts toward safeguarding lives and property and fostering an environment where economic activities can thrive.
He further pledged to deepen collaboration with sister security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to tackle insecurity at the grassroots.
“We will work with citizens of Kogi State so that police priorities will be based on their needs and expectations. I’m using this medium to appeal and seek the support of all and sundry so that we can together deliver our mandate,” Kankarofi added.
Expressing appreciation to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for his appointment, CP Kankarofi reaffirmed his readiness to deliver effective policing in the state.
A native of Kano Municipal Local Government Area in Kano State, CP Kankarofi enlisted into the Nigeria Police Force on June 10, 1994, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (C/ASP).
He succeeds CP Miller G. Dantawaye, psc, who has been redeployed to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command.
Kankarofi holds a B.Sc. in Economics and Political Science (Combined Honours), a Bachelor of Law (BL), and a Master’s Degree in Law (LLM). He is currently pursuing a PhD in Law.