Sokoto Governor Pledges Ongoing Crackdown on Bandits Following Meeting with Police Chief

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, recently met with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to reaffirm his administration's commitment to supporting security agencies in their fight against banditry, pledging to bolster collaboration and provide sustained assistance.

n

This assurance was given during a visit to the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, where Governor Aliyu and the IGP engaged in discussions focused on enhancing operations to combat violent crimes in Sokoto and beyond, according to a statement released by the governor's media aide, Abubakar Bawa, on Thursday.

n

Governor Aliyu emphasized that protecting the lives and property of citizens is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the Federal Government, underscoring the importance of collective efforts in maintaining security and order.

n

He noted that security remains a cornerstone of his administration's 9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda, stressing that meaningful development is impossible without peace and stability, and as such, his government is determined to work closely with the police and other security agencies to strengthen security across the state.

n

Since assuming office, Governor Aliyu has overseen the procurement and distribution of over 200 patrol vehicles to security agencies, a move aimed at enhancing rapid response and operational efficiency as part of a broader logistics support plan.

n

The governor acknowledged that while banditry persists, security forces have made notable gains in recent months, and he urged them to maintain their efforts, emphasizing the importance of sustaining momentum in the face of ongoing challenges.

n

Governor Aliyu highlighted the significance of intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation in winning the fight against crime, warning that fragmented efforts could compromise progress in tackling organized crime and emphasizing the need for deeper synergy among security agencies.

n

He paid tribute to former Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, now an Assistant Inspector-General, describing him as a brave and committed officer whose contributions have strengthened the state's security architecture, and challenged the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan, to build on this legacy.

n

Inspector-General of Police Egbetokun responded by praising the Sokoto State Government for its consistent support of security operations, assuring Governor Aliyu of the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to collaborating with the state government to ensure Sokoto becomes safer and more secure.

n

Governor Aliyu was accompanied on the visit by Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and Chief of Staff, Aminu Haliru Dikko.