Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has bolstered the Nigerian Military’s efforts to combat banditry by providing 10 additional vehicles to aid security operations in the state.
The PUNCH reported that this latest support was made public on Friday when the governor handed over the vehicles to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mutawalle, underscoring his administration’s dedication to restoring peace in Sokoto.
During the presentation, Governor Aliyu praised President Bola Tinubu for his active involvement in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges.
He cited the president’s directive for Defence Minister Mutawalle and military service chiefs to relocate to Sokoto as proof of his serious commitment to ending insecurity, not only in the state but across the wider North-West region.
Reflecting on his earlier discussions with the president, Aliyu ssid, “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 Alhamdulillah, we are seeing the results. We thank Mr. President most sincerely.”
Aliyu also highlighted that the 10 vehicles now handed to the military follow the earlier donation of 100 vehicles aimed at enhancing the state’s security operations.
He reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to supporting security agencies and deploying state resources to ensure the safety of lives and property within Sokoto.
“Security is number one in my nine-point agenda,” Aliyu emphasized, “therefore, we would do whatever it takes within the ambit of the law to protect our people.”
The governor further praised Minister Mutawalle’s dedication to tackling insecurity in the North-West.
“The minister has shown resilience and bravery by penetrating what used to be a ‘no-go area’ and has even opened up regions previously abandoned by our people,” he added.
Aliyu also urged residents of Sokoto to continue praying for President Tinubu’s success in the ongoing effort to secure the nation.
In his response, Minister Mutawalle revealed that the directive for the defence team to relocate to Sokoto was a direct result of the governor’s persistent advocacy for federal intervention.
“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 will be stationed in Sokoto under a new operation code-named ‘FANSAR YAMMA,’ aimed at securing the North-West,” the minister disclosed.
Mutawalle assured the governor that the military remains fully committed to achieving lasting peace in the state.
He lauded Governor Aliyu’s determination to transform Sokoto into a crime-free zone, stating, “The people of Sokoto are lucky to have Ahmed Aliyu as their leader because he has the state at heart.”
He further pledged that the newly donated vehicles would be effectively utilized in military operations to eliminate banditry from Sokoto.
The General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, expressed gratitude to the governor for his continued support of the military and affirmed the army’s readiness to wipe out banditry in the region.
The event concluded with a symbolic ride by the minister, governor, and military officers in one of the newly donated Buffalo vans, signaling the operational readiness of the military to tackle banditry head-on in Sokoto.
