The Borno State Government has identified Kaleri, Railway and Old Maiduguri communities in Maiduguri as emerging crime hotspots, urging security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle criminal activities in the affected areas.
The Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon. Sainna Buba, disclosed this on Sunday while representing Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the decoration ceremony of 63 personnel of the Borno State Rapid Response Squad (RRS) held at the squad’s headquarters in Maiduguri.
Buba commended the achievements of the RRS since its establishment in 2010, noting that the squad has played a crucial role in reducing crime across the state, particularly incidents of phone snatching.
According to him, the state has not recorded any case of phone snatching in the last eight months, a development he attributed to the effectiveness of the RRS and the support provided by the state government through logistics and operational resources.
“For over eight months, there has been no phone snatching in the state. All this was as a result of the establishment of the RRS,” he said.
Despite the progress, the commissioner expressed concern over a new wave of criminal activities allegedly involving some youths in Kaleri, Railway and Old Maiduguri, and called on security operatives to sustain ongoing efforts to maintain peace and security.
He also urged the newly decorated personnel to remain dedicated to their responsibilities and work towards preserving the gains already achieved in crime prevention.
Speaking at the event, ACP Babalola Abioye, Commander of the RRS, described the decoration as a call to greater responsibility rather than just an honour.
“This recognition is a call to greater responsibility, sacrifice and vigilance,” Abioye said.
He stressed that maintaining peace and security in Borno requires continuous collaboration among security agencies, traditional leaders, community stakeholders and residents.
Abioye further appreciated the support of the Borno State Government, traditional institutions and members of the public, noting that their cooperation has contributed significantly to the relative peace currently being enjoyed in the state.
