By Bashir Rabe Mani, Sokoto
Former Senator Abdullahi Ibrahim Gobir has backed the intensified security offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups operating in Sokoto East and other vulnerable parts of Sokoto State.
Gobir, popularly known as Sardaunan Gobir and a member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), said sustained military operations, intelligence gathering and community cooperation were crucial to restoring peace in affected areas.
In a statement, the former lawmaker described persistent attacks on rural communities as an unacceptable threat to lives, livelihoods, agriculture and the socio-economic development of Sokoto State.
He said the renewed operations by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies presented an opportunity to dismantle criminal networks responsible for killings, abductions, displacement and destruction of property.
“The people of Sokoto have endured enough. Terrorists and bandits must not be allowed to dictate the future of our communities or hold innocent citizens hostage through fear and violence,” Gobir said.
He commended the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Community Guards Corps for stepping up operations against criminal groups.
According to him, the deployment of additional security personnel and military equipment to vulnerable communities demonstrates the authorities’ determination to reclaim areas where terrorists and bandits have operated.
Gobir expressed confidence that sustained security pressure would weaken the criminal groups and restore confidence among residents of Sabon Birni, Isa and neighbouring communities affected by prolonged insecurity.
Gobir Urges Residents to Support Intelligence Gathering
The former senator, however, said military action alone would not end the security crisis, stressing the importance of credible intelligence from residents.
“Intelligence is the eyes of every successful security operation, and communities must become the eyes and ears of our security agencies,” he said.
He urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and actionable information about suspicious movements, criminal hideouts and activities that could help prevent attacks.
Gobir also warned individuals against harbouring, financing, shielding or providing logistical support to terrorists and bandits, saying anyone assisting criminal groups was contributing to the suffering of innocent citizens.
He particularly condemned informants accused of leaking information about the movements and deployment of security personnel to criminal gangs.
Gobir described such conduct as “a dangerous betrayal” capable of endangering security personnel and exposing communities to attacks.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and youth organisations to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and support community-based intelligence gathering.
According to him, stronger collaboration between residents and security forces would make it more difficult for criminal groups to infiltrate communities, recruit collaborators, obtain supplies or escape after attacks.
Security Vital to Sokoto’s Economic Recovery
Gobir appealed to residents of affected communities to remain vigilant and cooperate with legitimate security operations, noting that lasting peace was necessary for farmers, traders and other residents to resume their economic activities.
“There can be no meaningful development where people are forced to abandon their farms, markets and homes because of fear,” he said.
The former senator called for a sustained and coordinated campaign against terrorism and banditry across Sokoto State, particularly in Sokoto East.
He expressed optimism that sustained military pressure, effective intelligence gathering, community cooperation and coordination among security agencies could significantly weaken criminal networks and restore peace and normalcy to affected communities.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
