Salisu Fago Appointed Niger Police Commissioner

The Police Service Commission has announced the appointment of Salisu Fago as the new Commissioner of Police in charge of Niger State. This appointment follows the retirement of his predecessor, Adamu Elleman. According to Torty Kalu, Head of Protocol and Public Relations of the commission, Fago's appointment was approved after an interview conducted by the PSC. The commission assessed Fago's professional experience and suitability for the position.

Fago joined the Nigeria Police Force on June 10, 1994, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. With over 30 years of policing experience, he holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Throughout his career, Fago has attended several professional and specialised training programmes aimed at strengthening his operational, investigative and leadership capabilities.

The PSC Chairman, Mashimu Argungu, was represented at the interview by Taiwo Lakanu, Chairman of the commission's Standing Committee on Police Matters. Argungu urged Fago to maintain political neutrality and develop effective strategies to tackle insecurity across Niger State. He encouraged Fago to adopt intelligence-led and community-based policing approaches to strengthen crime prevention, improve public safety and enhance cooperation between the police and residents.

Fago has served in several strategic positions within the Nigeria Police Force, including Officer-in-Charge of the State Intelligence Bureau in Kano and Katsina states, as well as Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of the Criminal Investigation Department in Katsina. His experience in intelligence gathering, criminal investigation and police administration is expected to be valuable in his new role.

The appointment comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Niger State, where communities have faced threats from armed groups, kidnappers and other criminal elements. The PSC's emphasis on intelligence-led and community-based policing highlights the need for improved intelligence gathering, stronger collaboration with local communities and more effective responses to security threats.

Fago's training includes the Advanced Intelligence Detective Course, Police Mobile Force Commanders Training Course and Tactical Leadership Command Course. According to the commission, he brings more than three decades of operational and administrative experience to his new assignment. He is expected to lead policing operations in the state while strengthening public confidence and ensuring the protection of lives and property.

The new commissioner succeeds Adamu Elleman, who retired from the Nigeria Police Force after completing his years of service. Fago's appointment is seen as a move to address the security challenges in Niger State and improve policing in the region. His experience and training make him well-equipped to handle the complex security situation in the state.

Key points

• Fago has over 30 years of policing experience and has attended several professional and specialised training programmes.
• The PSC emphasised the need for intelligence-led and community-based policing approaches to tackle insecurity in Niger State.
• Fago's appointment aims to address the security challenges in Niger State and improve policing in the region.