The Governor of Sokoto State in northwestern Nigeria, Ahmad Aliyu, has announced a new set of security initiatives aimed at permanently ending banditry and violent criminal activities across the state, particularly in rural communities that have suffered years of instability.
Governor Aliyu made the disclosure on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, while formally declaring open the Seventeenth Regular Meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council, which he described as the final council meeting of the year 2025. The meeting was held in Sokoto, the capital city of Sokoto State, a region that has faced persistent security challenges linked to armed bandit groups.
Okay News reports that banditry has remained one of the most severe threats to peace and economic stability in Sokoto State, manifesting in deadly attacks on villages, mass displacement of residents, large-scale livestock theft, kidnappings for ransom, and the disruption of farming and commercial activities across several local government areas.
According to the governor, the newly introduced security measures are designed to strengthen intelligence gathering, deepen collaboration with security agencies, and reinforce ongoing efforts that have already begun yielding measurable improvements in public safety.
Aliyu explained that since assuming office as governor, his administration has consistently provided logistics, operational support, and critical resources to Nigeria’s security agencies operating within Sokoto State, with particular focus on the thirteen local government areas most affected by banditry.
“Intelligence remains a critical factor in checkmating criminal elements, and we are confident that these new initiatives will further enhance our capacity to tackle banditry decisively,” the governor said.
He emphasized that the fight against insecurity cannot be won by government action alone, urging residents of the state to actively support security operations by sharing timely and credible information with law enforcement agencies.
“As a government, we are ready to do all it takes to ensure that banditry becomes history in Sokoto State, but we cannot do it alone,” Aliyu added.
The governor also commended members of the Sokoto State Executive Council for what he described as their dedication and teamwork, attributing the administration’s achievements so far to collective commitment and cooperation.
In addition, Aliyu expressed appreciation to the people of Sokoto State for their prayers, patience, and sustained support, assuring them that his government remains committed to delivering greater dividends of democracy.
During the meeting, the governor congratulated the newly appointed Head of the Civil Service of Sokoto State, Abdulkadir Ahmed Mohamed, as well as the Senior Special Assistant on Cabinet Matters, Bande Rika, urging both officials to align their duties with the administration’s nine-point Smart Innovative Agenda, which serves as the policy framework guiding governance in the state.
