By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
In its drive to further strengthen responsive commitment in providing support to security agencies in fight against banditry, the Sokoto State Government has procured 10 new Hilux patrol vans and 150 motorcycles to enhance patrol in areas affected by banditry in the state.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has over time , shown passionate concern matched with resilience and purposeful commitment to providing necessary support towards combating banditry menace in the state.
Sokoto state has for some time , remained a soft and vulnerable target for bandits activities in the northwest along Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna states.
At the distribution and presentation of the keys to the vehicles including 39 of the 150 motorcycles to representatives of the Police, Army, Air Force, and DSS, Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, said the donation followed a request for logistical support by the security agencies to enhance their operations against insecurity in Sokoto State.
According to Sifawa, the 10 vehicles are in addition to the 170 vehicles earlier procured and distributed by the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration since inception, aimed at equipping security operatives to effectively combat banditry.
He reassured the public of the administration’s determination to work hand in hand with security agencies to safeguard lives and property, stressing that security remains a top priority on Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s 9-point agenda.
Accordingly, Sifawa urged security agencies to optimally use vehicles for safety of the state appealing to residents to support government efforts with prayers and useful information that could assist security operations.
Speaking on behalf of the benefiting agencies, the Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, assured that the vehicles and motorcycles would be deployed strictly for the purpose they were provided. He reiterated the readiness of security agencies to secure every part of the state and called on citizens to support them, particularly through intelligence sharing and timely tip-offs.
Musa commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his swift response to their request for additional logistical support, which he said would significantly strengthen ongoing operations.
Meanwhile, the criteria for allocating the vehicles and motorcycles indicated that the police and Army were given 4 Hilux vans each. DSS and Airforce got 1 vehicle each just as the motorcycles were shared with the Army getting 20, police 15 and Airforce received 4, according Abubakar Bawa , Director General , Media and Publicity to the governor in a statement Thursday night .
