In a bid to ensure that Nigerian Army forces limit banditry in Sokoto State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu provided the Nigerian Military with ten more vehicles on Friday to improve state security.
While handing the vehicles to Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mutawalle, the governor praised President Bola Tinubu’s concern for the nation’s security concerns.
He stated that the presidential direction for the Minister of Defence and service chiefs to relocate to Sokoto demonstrates his commitment to combating banditry and other types of criminality not only in Sokoto but throughout the North-West in general.
“When I met Mr. President, we discussed extensively the security situation in our dear state, and he assured me of his support towards putting an end to all the security challenges affecting us.
“Mr President has redeemed his pledge by sending the Honourable Minister and service chiefs, and Alhamdullahi, we are seeing the results. We thank Mr. President most sincerely,” he added.
Aliyu added that the 10 patrol vehicles handed to the military were in addition to the 100 vehicles already given to security services to combat banditry in the state.
He reassured everyone about his commitment to assisting security agencies in order to secure the state as a whole.
The governor also promised to commit the state’s resources to ensuring the safety of its citizens’ lives and property.
“Security is number 1 on my nine-point agenda; therefore, we would do whatever it takes within the ambit of the law to protect our people,” he vowed.
The governor also commended the Minister for State, Defence, for the commitment he has shown in getting the North-West out of the security quagmire.
“The minister has shown resilience and bravery by penetrating what used to be a ‘NO GO AREA’ and has even opened up areas that were hitherto deserted by our people,” he averred.
Aliyu urged the people of the state to continue praying for Mr. President to succeed in his mission of securing the nation.
In his remarks, Matawalle stated that the presidential directive to relocate to Sokoto was the outcome of the governor’s heavy pressure on Tinubu to come to the state’s rescue.
“Mr. Governor, I want to tell you that because of the seriousness you have shown in addressing the security challenges in the state, Mr. President has approved the purchase of CMG vehicles that would be stationed in Sokoto under a new operation code-named “FANSAR YAMMA,” aimed at securing the North-West,” he disclosed.
He told Aliyu that the military was with him and would continue to help him ensure the state’s long-term peace.
The minister praised Aliyu’s energy and determination to make Sokoto a crime-free state.
“The people of Sokoto are fortunate to have Ahmed Aliyu as their leader since he prioritises the state’s interests.
“I want to assure the Governor that we would use these vehicles provided to us judiciously to flush out bandits from Sokoto State,” he assured.
Brig.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, GOC of the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, commended the governor for his continued support of the state’s military and told him that they are ready to put an end to banditry.
The minister, along with his host and some military commanders, later rode in one of the governor’s donated Buffalo vans.
