Residents of Jibia Local Government Area in Katsina State gathered in large numbers to celebrate their Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Ibrahim Garba, following his recognition as The Best National DPO of the Year 2024 at the Nigeria Police Force Awards held earlier this month in Abuja.
Hikaya Newspaper reports that the Walima was organized by the Joint Security Committee of Jibia to honor his service and sacrifices in restoring peace in the troubled border community.
Jibia, which shares a boundary with the Niger Republic, has suffered over eight years of banditry, killings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and destruction of properties. Speaking at the event, the Chairman of Jibia Local Government, Hon. Sirajo Ado, described Garba’s award as both a personal honor and a reflection of his outstanding leadership in one of Nigeria’s most difficult security terrains. He urged clerics to continue prayers for sustained peace, noting that Jibia has now become an example of stability after years of turbulence.
The Katsina State lawmaker representing Jibia constituency, Hon. Mustafa Yusuf, said the award was not only Garba’s victory but a collective achievement of Nigerians. He emphasized that the DPO’s commitment symbolizes hope for communities ravaged by insecurity across the country. Similarly, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Victims of Banditry and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), said the recognition was like “placing a crown on the right head,” stressing that Garba’s sacrifices directly impacted thousands of vulnerable persons in the state.
On his part, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Livestock and Grazing, Hon. Yusuf Sulaiman, who also chairs the Joint Security Committee of Jibia, praised the synergy achieved between security agencies under Garba’s leadership. He explained that the DPO’s inclusive style of operation helped unify local forces against insecurity. The Chairman of Jibia People’s Forum, Alhaji Giɗe Dahiru, also applauded Garba’s support to community-led initiatives, especially during the peak of insecurity when the area faced some of its darkest moments.
Adding perspective, CSP Andriw Alponses, Operation Commander of the Katsina Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, recalled mentoring Ibrahim Garba during his early years as Superintendent of Police. He described Garba as a disciplined officer who has consistently upheld professionalism and respect for the rule of law, qualities he said made him stand out nationally.
In his remarks, CSP Ibrahim Garba expressed gratitude to the people of Jibia, noting that his career history would remain incomplete without the experiences shared in the community. He said the support he received from stakeholders and residents strengthened his resolve to serve faithfully.
Garba reaffirmed his commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that peace in Jibia is the result of collective responsibility and trust between the people and security institutions.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the event included Divisional Officer (DO) Kabiru Saminu of the NSCDC, who cited the biography of CSP Ibrahim Garba; Professor Ibrahim Sani; Comrade Halilu; the Chairman of Daddara Development Association, Hon. Bishir Sabi’u Maitan; the former Chairman of Jibia Local Government Area, Alhaji Rabe Rabi’u Ibrahim; the Sarkin Arewan Katsina and District Head of Jibia, Alhaji Usman Nagogo; and the Danmadamin Katsina and District Head of Daddara, among other prominent personalities from within and outside the local government.
The Appointees are well deserved to the Allocated positions, therefore my congratulatory message goes directly to the entire Jibia people and Divisional Police headquarter and I wish them Allah’s protection Guidance & Favour throughout their life.May Allah elevate the status of our Gallant CSP, Ibrahim Garba,D.P.O jibia.