Sokoto State has strengthened the Nigerian Army’s efforts against banditry with the donation of 10 additional patrol vehicles.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu presented the vehicles to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, during a ceremony aimed at enhancing security in the region.
Governor Aliyu commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to addressing the country’s security challenges, particularly in the North-West.
He praised the President’s directive for the Minister of Defence and service chiefs to relocate to Sokoto as a strong signal of his determination to tackle banditry and other criminal activities.
“When I met with Mr. President, we discussed the security situation in our state extensively, and he assured me of his full support to resolve these challenges,” Aliyu said. “President Tinubu has kept his promise by sending the Honourable Minister and service chiefs, and we are already seeing positive results.
We sincerely thank him for his dedication.”
Aliyu noted that the 10 newly donated patrol vehicles complement the 100 vehicles previously provided to security agencies in the state. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the military’s efforts to restore peace.
“Security is the top priority in my nine-point agenda, and we will continue using all available resources, within the law, to protect our people,” he pledged.
The governor also praised Minister Matawalle for his dedication and resilience in addressing the security crisis, stating that his efforts had opened up areas once abandoned due to banditry.
He called on the people of Sokoto to continue offering prayers for the President’s success in securing the nation.
In his remarks, Minister Matawalle credited the relocation directive to Governor Aliyu’s persistent advocacy for federal intervention in Sokoto. “Your relentless efforts, Mr. Governor, have convinced the President to approve the purchase of CMG vehicles, which will be deployed in Sokoto under a new operation code-named ‘FANSAR YAMMA,’ aimed at securing the North-West,” he revealed.
Matawalle assured the governor of the military’s ongoing support in ensuring lasting peace in Sokoto, while also commending Aliyu’s commitment to making the state a safer place. “The people of Sokoto are fortunate to have a leader like Governor Aliyu, who is deeply committed to their welfare,” he said.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, expressed his gratitude to the governor for his continuous support and reaffirmed the army’s readiness to combat banditry in the region.
Following the presentation, the minister, along with the governor and military officers, took a symbolic ride in one of the newly donated Buffalo vans.
