Following a crucial security meeting with the Inspector-General of Police, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to maintaining relentless pressure on bandits and other criminal elements operating in the state and its border regions.
The closed-door session, held at the Government House on Thursday, brought together the IGP, top police commissioners, military commanders, and heads of the Department of State Services (DSS) to review the current security architecture in the state. Discussions centered on intelligence sharing, community policing, and coordinated offensive operations targeting bandit hideouts in forests and remote villages.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor declared that the era of passive response is over, promising a sustained, round-the-clock offensive.
“We have resolved to leave no stone unturned. Our security agencies now have the full backing of the state government to take the fight directly to the bandits. We will maintain this pressure not for days or weeks, but for as long as it takes to restore lasting peace,” the Governor said.
He commended the Inspector-General for his hands-on approach and tactical support, which has already led to the recent neutralization of several high-profile bandit leaders and the rescue of kidnapped victims in the eastern senatorial district.
The Inspector-General of Police, in his remarks, praised the Governor’s proactive stance and assured residents that the police high command is deploying additional intelligence assets and mobile police units to flashpoints along the Sokoto-Zamfara and Sokoto-Niger borders.
“Sokoto will not be a sanctuary for bandits. We are synchronizing our air and ground operations to ensure that criminals have no breathing room,” the IGP stated.
The government also announced the immediate reinforcement of the state’s Community Guard Corps, empowering local vigilantes with better communication equipment and closer integration with formal security forces.
Residents, particularly in rural farming communities that have suffered recurring attacks and cattle rustling, have welcomed the renewed pledge, expressing hope that the sustained pressure will finally allow them to return to their farms and normal lives.
The Governor concluded by urging citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security personnel, warning that any individual found aiding or abetting bandits whether through information or logistics will face the full wrath of the law.