By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
The governor in a statement by his media aide expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with armed groups ready to lay down their weapons and embrace reconciliation.
This stance underscores the administration’s balanced approach, combining security operations with dialogue, community engagement, and long-term peacebuilding strategies.
The government believes meaningful negotiation can resolve long-standing insecurity, citing historical conflicts resolved through dialogue rather than force alone.
Sokoto State is open to negotiating with groups demonstrating a genuine intent to surrender and reintegrate peacefully into society.
The government appreciates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, national security chiefs, and frontline operatives for their efforts in stabilizing the region.
Sokoto State welcomes the planned deployment of forest guards but emphasizes the need for careful recruitment, strict oversight, and direct supervision by conventional security agencies to ensure accountability and community trust.
Effective communication between forest guards and host communities is crucial for building trust and gaining support.
The recruitment process for forest guards must be transparent and rooted in integrity to prevent abuse of power.
Forest guards should operate under the direct supervision of established security agencies to ensure accountability.
