By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has once again supported the Nigerian military with the donation of 10 additional vehicles to enhance security in the state.
Press Secretary to the governor, Abubakar Bawa, stated that while presenting the vehicles to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Mutawalle, Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s concern regarding the security challenges facing the nation.
He noted that the presidential directive for the Minister of Defence and service chiefs to relocate to Sokoto is a clear indication of President Tinubu’s commitment to addressing banditry and other forms of criminality, not only in Sokoto but across the North-West region.
“When I met with Mr. President, we discussed extensively the security situation in our dear state, and he assured me of his support to resolve all the security challenges affecting us,” Governor Aliyu said.
“Mr. President has fulfilled his pledge by sending the Honourable Minister and service chiefs, and Alhamdulillah, we are beginning to see the results. We thank Mr. President most sincerely,” he added.
Governor Aliyu further mentioned that the 10 patrol vehicles donated to the military are in addition to the 100 vehicles previously provided to security agencies to combat banditry in the state.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting security agencies so that together they can secure the state.
The governor also vowed to allocate the state’s resources to guarantee the safety of lives and property for the people of Sokoto.
“Security is the top priority in my nine-point agenda; therefore, we will do whatever it takes, within the law, to protect our people,” he stated.
Additionally, the governor commended the Minister of State for Defence for his commitment to helping the North-West out of its security crisis.
“The Minister has shown resilience and bravery by penetrating what used to be a ‘no-go area’ and has opened up regions that were previously deserted by our people,” he asserted. Governor Aliyu appealed to the people of Sokoto to continue praying for Mr. President’s success in securing the nation.
In response, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle explained that the presidential directive for their relocation to Sokoto resulted from the intense pressure Governor Aliyu consistently placed on Mr. President regarding the need to assist the state.
“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 to be stationed in Sokoto under a new operation code-named ‘FANSAR YAMMA,’ aimed at securing the North-West,” he disclosed.
He assured Governor Aliyu that the military stands with him and will continue to support him in ensuring lasting peace in the state. The Minister praised Governor Aliyu’s zeal and commitment to making Sokoto a crime-free state. “The people of Sokoto are fortunate to have Ahmed Aliyu as their leader because he truly cares for the state,” he stated.
“I want to assure the Governor that we will use the vehicles provided judiciously to flush out bandits from Sokoto State,” he promised.
Brig.-Gen. Ajose, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, thanked the Governor for his ongoing support to the military in the state and assured him of their readiness to combat banditry. The Minister, accompanied by his host and several military officers, later rode in one of the Buffalo vans donated by the Governor.
