The Police Service Commission has approved the appointment of Commissioner of Police Salisu Bello Fago as the new Commissioner of Police for the Niger State Command.
The appointment followed an interview session conducted by the commission’s Standing Committee on Police Matters, chaired by Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Taiwo Lakanu, retired, who represented the Chairman of the commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu, retired.
According to the commission, the appointment is part of efforts to strengthen police leadership and improve security management in Niger State.
While announcing the approval, the PSC chairman urged Fago to maintain political neutrality and adopt effective strategies to address security challenges confronting the state.
He specifically encouraged the new commissioner to embrace intelligence-led and community-based policing as essential approaches to combating crime, maintaining public order and protecting lives and property.
Fago succeeds Commissioner of Police Adamu A. Elleman, who retired from service after completing his years in the Nigeria Police Force.
The new police commissioner joined the Nigeria Police Force on June 10, 1994, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police, bringing more than three decades of operational and administrative experience to his new assignment.
Throughout his career, Fago has served in several strategic positions across different police commands in the country.
His previous assignments include Officer-in-Charge of the State Intelligence Bureau in Kano and Katsina commands, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department in Katsina Command and Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Delta Command.
He also served as Commanding Officer of the 6 Police Mobile Force in Maiduguri and the 52 Police Mobile Force in Chalawa, Kano State.
Other positions held by the senior officer include Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations in Maiduguri and Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration in Zamfara State.
Fago holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
He has also attended several professional development programmes, including the Advanced Intelligence Detective Course, Police Mobile Force Commanders Training Course and Tactical Leadership Command Course.
His appointment comes at a time when Niger State continues to face security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in parts of the state.
The PSC expressed confidence that his experience would contribute to strengthening police operations and improving security across the state.
The commission also emphasised the importance of professionalism, effective intelligence gathering and cooperation between the police and local communities in addressing security threats.
Residents are expected to cooperate with the new police leadership by providing useful information and supporting security agencies in their efforts to maintain peace and protect communities.
Leave a comment