Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has called for deeper cooperation between the Federal Government and state authorities to confront banditry and other security threats affecting parts of the country.
Aliyu made the appeal on Thursday in his Independence Day message to the people of Sokoto as Nigeria commemorated its 66th anniversary.
The governor praised the Federal Government for its support in the fight against banditry in the state, stressing that sustained collaboration between both levels of government remained crucial to achieving lasting peace.
“There is a strong synergy between the Sokoto State Government and the Federal Government in our collective commitment towards protecting the lives and property of our people,” Aliyu said.
He expressed confidence that continued joint efforts would eventually bring an end to insecurity in Sokoto.
Aliyu said his administration had strengthened the capacity of conventional security agencies by providing logistics, vehicles, equipment and other operational support.
According to him, the state government has acquired more than 200 patrol vehicles, two bulletproof vehicles for emirates, 100 Buffalo armoured personnel carriers, 200 motorcycles, 3,200 security hardware, 2,000 bulletproof vests and 200 night-vision goggles since he assumed office.
He added that 100 thermal-vision scopes and other security equipment had also been supplied, while the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto was fully operationalised.
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The governor further disclosed that the state upgraded the Department of State Services tracker from 4G to 5G technology to enhance security operations.
He listed the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps among other measures, noting that the government had provided the corps with 40 Hilux vans and 700 motorcycles.
Other security interventions, he said, included facilitating the establishment of a military barracks in Illela and a Police Mobile Barracks at Tara Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.
Aliyu assured residents that his administration remained committed to ending banditry and urged them to cooperate with government and security agencies in efforts to restore peace across the state.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, the governor honoured the country’s founding fathers and encouraged citizens to emulate their patriotism and sacrifices.
He acknowledged that the country had experienced “many ups and downs” since gaining independence but said Nigeria had also achieved significant milestones over the years.
Aliyu expressed optimism that the country would continue to advance through renewed dedication and collective action.
He also urged Nigerians to support, cooperate with and pray for the country’s leaders so they could effectively discharge their responsibilities.
The governor wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.