The Sokoto State Government on Wednesday unveiled security assets worth ₦27.6 billion, including 62 operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles and other high-tech equipment, as part of efforts to strengthen the fight against banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
The equipment was commissioned by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), at the Giginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto.
The newly commissioned assets include Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-resistant vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof helmets and vests, night-vision devices, thermal imaging equipment and other tactical tools aimed at improving intelligence gathering, operational mobility and the effectiveness of security agencies.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the investment was necessitated by the persistent security threats facing parts of Sokoto State due to its proximity to Zamfara and Katsina states, as well as the Republic of Niger.
He said his administration had prioritised security since assuming office by providing logistics, welfare support and infrastructure to security agencies operating in the state.
According to the governor, the state had earlier procured more than 200 patrol vehicles and over 250 motorcycles for security agencies, restored monthly allowances for personnel serving in frontline communities and established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps equipped with 40 Hilux vehicles and 700 motorcycles.
Aliyu added that the government had also built military barracks in Illela and a Mobile Police Barracks in Tangaza, operationalised the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto, strengthened the surveillance capabilities of the Department of State Services and provided housing for security personnel.
He disclosed that additional Forward Operating Bases had been established in Kagara, Sabon Birni and Isa local government areas to improve rapid response to security threats.
The governor said the newly acquired security assets would be strategically deployed to identified flashpoints across the state to enhance ongoing operations against criminal elements.
He also announced the donation of operational vehicles and motorcycles to the Federal Ministry of Works to support security along the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project.
Aliyu further revealed that the first batch of Forest Guards recruited under the Federal Government initiative had completed training and been deployed, expressing optimism that additional recruits would strengthen surveillance in forests and rural communities.
Commissioning the equipment, the Minister of Defence described the investment as a demonstration of strategic leadership and responsible governance.
Musa commended Governor Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies with logistics and operational resources, noting that the latest intervention would significantly improve the mobility and operational effectiveness of personnel combating insecurity.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces and other security agencies through improved welfare, enhanced intelligence capabilities, modern technology and closer inter-agency collaboration.
The minister urged security personnel to maintain the newly commissioned assets properly and deploy them professionally in line with established rules of engagement.
In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director of Internal Affairs at the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr Solomon, commended the Sokoto State Government for its sustained investment in security.
He disclosed that the Office of the National Security Adviser had facilitated the training of 1,000 Forest Guards for Sokoto State and processed the End-User Certificates required for the procurement of the security equipment.
The representative reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Sokoto State in tackling insecurity and safeguarding lives and property.
Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Waziri of Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the state government’s efforts in combating banditry and other criminal activities.
The event also featured the unveiling of a major road named after General Christopher Musa in recognition of his contributions to national security and service to the country.
