Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has announced a fresh security strategy aimed at finally crushing banditry across the state.
The governor said his administration is fully committed to restoring peace and ensuring residents can live and work without fear.
Aliyu made this known on Wednesday while declaring open the 17th regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council.
The meeting also marked the final council session for the year 2025. He used the occasion to outline renewed security steps being introduced by his government.
Banditry has remained one of the most serious challenges in Sokoto State, especially in rural communities.
The crisis has led to repeated attacks on villages, displacement of residents, cattle rustling, kidnappings for ransom, and disruption of farming and other economic activities.
The governor explained that the newly introduced measures are designed to support existing security operations.
According to him, the focus is on strengthening intelligence gathering and improving coordination among security agencies operating in the state. He noted that the current strategies in place are already producing encouraging results.
Aliyu said his government has continued to provide strong support to security agencies since he assumed office. He stated that logistics, operational support, and other essential resources have been made available to security formations working in the 13 local government areas affected by banditry.
“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 said.
He stressed that security is a collective responsibility and called on residents to remain vigilant. The governor urged citizens to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by sharing credible and timely information that could help prevent attacks and track criminal networks.
“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,” he added.
Aliyu also praised members of the State Executive Council for their dedication and unity. He said the progress recorded by his administration so far was a result of teamwork, commitment, and shared responsibility within the cabinet.
The governor further thanked the people of Sokoto State for their continued prayers, patience, and cooperation with government policies. He assured them that his administration remains focused on delivering more dividends of democracy across all sectors.
During the meeting, Aliyu congratulated the newly appointed Head of the Civil Service, Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed, as well as the Senior Special Assistant on Cabinet Matters, Bande Rika.
He urged them to carry out their duties with diligence and contribute effectively to the success of the administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda.
