Christopher Gwabin Musa on Wednesday commissioned 62 operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles and other security equipment valued at ₦27.6 billion to strengthen security operations in Sokoto State.
The security assets, procured by the Sokoto State Government, include Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-resistant vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof helmets and vests, night-vision devices, thermal imaging equipment and other operational tools aimed at improving intelligence gathering and combating banditry, terrorism and kidnapping.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony at Giginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto, the minister directed troops and other security personnel to take immediate action against terrorists and bandits during operations.
According to Musa, security operatives deployed to operational areas should not wait for additional directives before engaging criminal elements.
He warned that any personnel who failed to confront terrorists or bandits in the line of duty would be treated as collaborators, stressing that government-provided equipment was meant to protect lives and neutralise security threats.
Also speaking at the event, Ahmed Aliyu said insecurity in parts of Sokoto had been worsened by the state’s proximity to Zamfara, Katsina and the Republic of Niger.
The governor said his administration prioritised security immediately after assuming office by providing operational support to security agencies.
According to him, the state government previously distributed more than 200 patrol vehicles and over 250 motorcycles to security agencies, restored allowances for frontline personnel and established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps equipped with 40 operational vehicles and 700 motorcycles.
Aliyu added that his administration had constructed military barracks in Illela and a Mobile Police Barracks in Tangaza Local Government Area, operationalised the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto and strengthened the operational capacity of the Department of State Services (DSS).
He further disclosed that additional Forward Operating Bases had been established in Kagara, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas to improve rapid response to security threats.
The governor also revealed that the first batch of Forest Guards recruited under the Federal Government’s initiative had completed training and been deployed across the state, expressing optimism that the next phase of recruitment would further improve security in forest and rural communities.
Aliyu thanked Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Sokoto State’s security efforts and commended the Defence Minister for attending the commissioning ceremony.
