Sokoto Govt donates 62 armoured vehicles,  320 motorcycles to tackle insecurity

From Bashir Rabe Mani in Sokoto

The Minister of Defence, retired Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa, on Wednesday commissioned 62 armoured vehicles and 320 motorcycles purchased by the Sokoto State Government for security agencies.

Our Correspondent in Sokoto reports that the event was part of his one-day working visit to the state and to commemorate three years in office of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.

Gen. Musa described his visit as a homecoming, recalling how he was born and bred in Sokoto, saying that he remains a proud son of the state.

According to the Minister, Sokoto State has remained as one of the most peaceful states in the country, acknowledging the sustained efforts of the state government to bolster the security of lives and properties of the citizens.

Gen. Musa also recalled all the previous interventions of the state government to boost the operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.

While acknowledging that the security challenges in the country have continued to recur, the Minister stated, “with efforts like this, the challenges will soon be history.

“Working together, we shall soon overcome these challenges,” Gen. Musa added, applauding the strategic leadership and good governance being provided by Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.

He said that security remains the bedrock of any meaningful development in the country, further commending the Governor for continuously aiding the various security agencies

Gen. Musa maintained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prioritizes security, reiterating the unwavering commitment of the Federal Government to sustain its huge investments in security infrastructure

According to the Minister, the Federal Government is also committed to enthroning a lasting peace and security in the country.

He said, ” However, no government can do it alone. Security is a shared responsibility.

” The active support of the state governments and other critical stakeholders is their indispensable.”

Gen. Musa also re-echoed his express to the security forces engaged in the fight against banditry and terrorism to instantly shoot and kill bandits.

In a message to the epochal event, the National Security Adviser ( NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, also commended the Sokoto State Government for the invaluable gesture, concurring that the Federal Government will not relent in its efforts to guarantee the security of lives and properties of the citizens.

Also speaking, an elated Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto said that the vehicles, motorcycles will be deployed to flash points in the state to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other related crimes.

Gov Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto said that the gesture  is to enhance the operational capabilities of the security agencies, as well as boost the protection of the lives and properties of all law-abiding citizens of the state.

The Sokoto State Governor recalled that his administration had previous spent over N36.27 billion in similar gestures to bolster the operations of the Armed Forces and other security agencies across the state

According to him, a law is being promulgated at the Sokoto State House of Assembly that will ensure that informants are also treated the same like bandits.

He commended the Federal Government, the Armed Forces, other security agencies and critical stakeholders for their sustained efforts, disclosing that security tops his 9-Point Smart Agenda.

Gov. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering commitment to improving the security of the lives and properties of the citizens of the country.

In a message to the event, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sámbo Wali Junaidu, commended the giant strides of the Governor, further applauding his relentless efforts to ensure the protection of the lives and properties of the people of the state.

Our Correspondent in Sokoto also reports that the event was attended by the Minister of State for Works, Barrister Bello Muhammad Goronyo, during which the state government donated 10 Hilux vehicles and 30 motorcycles in aid of the ongoing construction of the Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway.