Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has unveiled new security initiatives aimed at ending banditry and restoring lasting peace across the state. The governor said his administration is fully determined to ensure that banditry becomes a thing of the past in Sokoto.
Aliyu made this known on Wednesday while declaring open the 17th regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council. The meeting, held in Sokoto, was described as the last council session for the year 2025.
Banditry has remained one of the biggest security challenges facing Sokoto State in recent years. Many rural communities have suffered repeated attacks by armed groups, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, displacement of villagers, cattle rustling, and frequent cases of kidnapping for ransom. These attacks have also disrupted farming, trade, and other economic activities, especially in border areas and remote local government councils.
Governor Aliyu said the new security measures were designed to complement existing efforts already being implemented by his administration. According to him, the focus of the new strategy is on strengthening intelligence gathering and improving coordination between the state government and security agencies.
He noted that the government’s current approach to security was already producing positive results, but added that more needed to be done to completely eliminate criminal activities in the state.
“Since we came into office, we have continued to support security agencies with logistics and other critical resources to enhance their operational capacity across the 13 local government areas affected by banditry,” Aliyu said.
The governor explained that security agencies in the state had received vehicles, communication equipment, fuel support, and other operational tools to enable them respond quickly to security threats. He stressed that these efforts would be sustained and expanded under the new initiatives.
According to Aliyu, intelligence gathering remains one of the most important tools in the fight against banditry. He said criminals often rely on secrecy and the difficult terrain of rural areas to carry out their attacks, making timely information very important.
“Intelligence remains a critical factor in checkmating criminal elements, and we are confident that these new initiatives will further enhance our capacity to tackle banditry decisively,” the governor stated.
He called on residents of the state to continue supporting government efforts by working closely with security agencies. He urged citizens to report suspicious movements and activities in their communities, stressing that security is a shared responsibility.
“As a government, we are ready to do all it takes to ensure that banditry becomes history in Sokoto State, but we cannot do it alone,” Aliyu said. “We need the cooperation of our people through timely and useful information.”
Sokoto State, like several states in the North-West, has been affected by insecurity linked to bandit groups who operate mainly in forest areas and along state borders. These groups often attack villages, steal livestock, and demand ransom from kidnapped victims. The situation has forced many farmers to abandon their farms, leading to reduced food production and loss of income for rural families.
In response, the Sokoto State Government has worked with the military, police, civil defence, and other security agencies to improve surveillance and response across troubled areas. Community leaders, traditional rulers, and local vigilante groups have also been involved in security discussions.
Governor Aliyu said his administration would continue to strengthen these partnerships while introducing new ideas to stay ahead of criminals. He added that peace and security are necessary for development and economic growth.
“Without security, there can be no meaningful development. Our goal is to create a safe environment where our people can farm, trade, and live without fear,” he said.
During the council meeting, the governor also commended members of the State Executive Council for their commitment and support since the beginning of his administration. He attributed the achievements recorded so far to teamwork and collective effort.
“I want to sincerely thank members of this council for their dedication and cooperation. Whatever success we have recorded is a result of our unity and shared vision for Sokoto State,” Aliyu said.
He also expressed appreciation to the people of the state for their prayers, patience, and cooperation with government policies. He assured residents that his administration remains committed to delivering more dividends of democracy.
Aliyu said his government’s focus on security, education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure would continue in the coming year. He urged citizens to remain hopeful and supportive.
The governor also used the occasion to congratulate the newly appointed Head of the Civil Service in the state, Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed. He described the appointment as timely and urged the new head to bring professionalism and discipline to the civil service.
Aliyu also congratulated the Senior Special Assistant on Cabinet Matters, Bande Rika, and charged him to contribute meaningfully to the effective running of government business.
He reminded the new appointees of the importance of the administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda, which serves as the blueprint for governance in the state. The agenda covers key areas such as security, education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, agriculture, infrastructure development, and good governance.
As the year 2025 draws to a close, many residents of Sokoto are hopeful that the new measures announced by the governor will bring lasting peace to their communities. For farmers, traders, and families affected by years of insecurity, an end to banditry would mean a return to normal life and improved economic opportunities.