From Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in their ongoing efforts to combat banditry and other forms of criminality across the state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, the Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, noted that Governor Aliyu gave this assurance during a courtesy visit to the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Rilwan Disu, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
Governor Aliyu emphasized that since assuming office, his administration has consistently provided logistics and operational support to security forces to ensure the protection of lives and property.
He disclosed that the state government has, to date, procured and distributed over 200 patrol vehicles to security agencies to enhance their operational capacity, particularly in areas most affected by insecurity.
“We are committed to this cause because we believe that protecting the lives and property of our people is a collective responsibility, not one for the Federal Government alone.
“Mr. IGP, security is the top priority in my 9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda. We are determined to partner with the police and all relevant security agencies to further strengthen security across the state”, he stated .
While acknowledging the persistent nature of banditry, Governor Aliyu noted that significant progress has been made by security forces and urged them to sustain the current momentum.
He underscored that effective intelligence gathering and robust information sharing are critical to successful security operations and advocated for stronger synergy among the various security agencies operating in the state.
The Governor took the opportunity to commend the former Commissioner of Police in Sokoto, Ahmed Musa, now an Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), describing him as a brave, disciplined, and committed officer who provided invaluable insights into ridding the state of criminal activities.
He further charged the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan, to emulate his predecessor’s dedication to constitutional duties.
Governor Aliyu congratulated the new IGP on his appointment and urged him to justify the confidence reposed in him by the nation.
In his response, Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Rilwan Disu lauded Governor Aliyu for his sustained investment in security infrastructure. Mr. Disu assured the Governor of the police force’s continued collaboration with the state government to make Sokoto State crime-free.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Aminu Haliru Dikko.
