By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
In an effort to ensure safe environment for learning, Plan International Nigeria, in collaboration with the Department of Crime Management at Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, recently organized a two-day activity aimed at sensitizing students and staff of the institution on crime prevention and control.
The event also focused on the need to raise public conscious with a view to entrenching collaborative efforts to ensure community safety and effective policing.
In his remarks during the event, Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Barrister Abubakar Abdulhamid Bununu, highlighted the significant strides Bauchi State has made in addressing security challenges. He noted that Bauchi is ranked among the leading states in tackling security issues, owing to the vital roles played by both conventional and non-conventional security formations.
These efforts, he said, have contributed to making Bauchi the safest and most peaceful in the North-East region. He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace , unity and security, calling on members of the Federal and State Security Administrators Committees to adopt innovative internal security strategies to address the ongoing challenges across the country.
Also, Moses Nyam of Plan International, while making a presentation on the importance of mental health, particularly within the school system, provided valuable insights into common triggers of Mental Health Problems within the school system.
He revealed practical self-care tips for managing stress and maintaining good mental health, particularly in challenging environments, stressing that, “talking with someone about your thoughts and feelings may help you process and come to peace with any unpleasant experiences.”
He further encouraged members of the public to express feelings through creative activities, like drawing, painting, or writing, as a way to cope with stress and maintain emotional balance.
He then reiterates the importance of physical well-being, pointing out that it can be a powerful tool to regulate or relieve tension, therefore urging individuals not to shy away from seeking help.
Nyam, therefore, expressed Plan Internationals commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the safety and well-being of children, girls, and young people.
“We believe that by working together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for everyone”, said Nyam.
Adding to the discourse, Bauchi State Commissioner of Police Auwal Musa Mohammed who was represented by SP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Bauchi State Command, presented a paper titled, “Intelligence-Led Policing: The Role of Citizens in Crime Prevention and Control.”
He highlighted the critical importance of intelligence-led policing, describing it as a contemporary strategy that focuses on risk assessment and management, involving the collection and analysis of information to guide policing decisions with the goal of preventing crime and improving public safety.
SP Wakil emphasized the vital role that citizens play in the strategy, stating that , “Citizens can play a crucial role in intelligence gathering by reporting suspicious activities, potential threats, and crimes in their surroundings. Their observations provide police with valuable information that might not be immediately available through traditional methods of policing.”
He further discussed the various platforms available for citizens to report suspicious activities, including hotlines, mobile apps and the social media platforms, ensuring that the mantra of ‘if you see something, say something’ cannot be overemphasized.
The event highlighted the collective responsibility of ensuring the safety and security of our communities. Dignitaries in attendance included representatives from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps, the Department of State Service, and the Bauchi State Ministry of Education, among others.