In a bid to enhance security and combat banditry in Sokoto State, Governor Ahmed Aliyu has provided 10 more vehicles to the Nigerian Army. The donation, made on Friday, is aimed at bolstering military operations in the region.
During the handover ceremony, Governor Aliyu presented the vehicles to the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, and praised President Bola Tinubu for his proactive approach to addressing Nigeria’s security issues. He acknowledged the president’s directive for the Minister of Defence and service chiefs to relocate to Sokoto as a strong demonstration of his commitment to addressing insecurity in the North-West.
“When I met with the President, we had extensive discussions about the security challenges in Sokoto, and he assured me of his full support in addressing them,” Aliyu said. “The president has fulfilled this promise by sending the Honourable Minister and the service chiefs, and we are already seeing positive results. We express our deepest gratitude to the president.”
The governor highlighted that these 10 vehicles are in addition to the 100 vehicles previously provided to security agencies to aid their fight against banditry. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuously supporting security agencies to ensure the state’s safety.
“Security is the top priority in my nine-point agenda, and we will use all available resources within the law to protect the lives and property of our citizens,” he pledged.
Governor Aliyu also commended Minister Matawalle for his determination and efforts in improving the security situation in the North-West, noting that the minister had successfully ventured into areas once considered too dangerous.
The governor urged the people of Sokoto to keep praying for the president’s success in securing the nation.
In his remarks, Minister Matawalle acknowledged that the presidential directive to relocate to Sokoto came in response to Governor Aliyu’s persistent advocacy for federal intervention. He revealed that President Tinubu had approved the acquisition of new CMG vehicles, which would be deployed under a new military operation, code-named “FANSAR YAMMA,” focused on securing the North-West.
“The governor’s determination in tackling security challenges has earned the President’s approval for additional military assets, and we are fully committed to supporting him in achieving lasting peace in Sokoto State,” Matawalle said.
He praised Governor Aliyu’s leadership, assuring him that the newly donated vehicles would be used effectively to eliminate banditry in the state.
Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, General Officer Commanding the 8th Division of the Nigerian Army, expressed gratitude to the governor for his continued support and reiterated the military’s readiness to end the banditry crisis.
Following the handover, the minister, accompanied by Governor Aliyu and military officials, took a symbolic ride in one of the donated Buffalo vans.
