As Governor Ahmed Aliyu marks two years in office, his administration’s efforts in tackling insecurity especially in the South-east part of Sokoto state have been rated high.
Special adviser to the governor on security, Col Ahmed Usman rtd, stated this while presenting a comprehensive scorecard detailing major strides in stabilising the state’s troubled eastern region.
Governor Aliyu, who came into office on the back of a firm promise to restore peace in Sokoto’s violence-hit eastern corridor, has made security top priority of his administration’s nine-point smart and innovative agenda.
He said since assuming office, the governor has implemented series of aggressive and coordinated security measures aimed at tackling the persistent threats of banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and insurgency, including recent incursions by the Lakurawa terror group.
He said the governor has appllied a number of strategies, interventions and onstitutional reforms all aimed to support the federal government to tackle insecurity in the state.
“In his first year alone, the governor’s administration distributed hundreds of new patrol vehicles and motorcycles to various security agencies.
“He also reinstated the monthly operational allowances of security personnel, which had been halted by the previous government.
“In a landmark initiative, the state established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, a homegrown security outfit designed to complement conventional forces,” he said.
Col Ahmed also said to bolster coordination, governor Aliyu constituted a special security committee chaired by the deputy governor Engr. Idris Muhammad Gobir, with traditional rulers, community leaders, representatives of security agencies, and other key stakeholders as members.
He said the committee was mandated to meet regularly to review and recommend strategies to address emerging threats, with the government consistently acting on its recommendations.
Col Ahmed said the major operational milestone has been the establishment of the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma in the state, providing rapid aerial response to unfolding security threats.
“The administration also launched Operation Restore Order, a government-funded joint task force comprising the Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Military, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Community Guard Corps, and local vigilante networks.
“The operation has recorded considerable success in recent weeks,” he said.
He said between May 22 and 25, 2025, the operation conducted series of clearance and stabilisation operations in high-risk areas.
“Gundumi Forest (Goronyo LGA): Security forces intercepted three motorcycles suspected to be carrying bandit logistics operatives.
“Items recovered included pain relief drugs, cigarettes, and maintenance kits. A subsequent sweep in Indulumu Village led to the neutralization of six bandits, recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three motorcycles, and a desert camouflage uniform,” he said.
He said, “Another operation at Kakarast to Isa LGA. In a coordinated assault on 25 May, troops engaged bandit strongholds in Kakara Forest, advancing to Garin Buzu. A firefight around 13.00 hour resulted in ten bandits neutralised, recovery of four AK-47 rifles, two empty magazines, and 57 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“Follow-up operations in Isa LGA extended to several villages including Takalmawa, Dogon Hannu, Gidin Da Tsawo, Tapkin Fili, and Garin Shado.”
According to him, as a result of these bold steps taken by the governor, security official report indicated that attacks on communities have significantly decreased.
He noted that the administration’s approach—integrating conventional forces with local vigilante groups and leveraging community intelligence has proven effective in denying bandits freedom of movement and access to logistics.