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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has called for a united and non-partisan approach to tackling insecurity, warning that politicising security threats could undermine efforts to protect lives and restore peace in vulnerable communities.
The government made the call while responding to concerns raised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, over a reported threat against residents of Kebbe Local Government Area of the state.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col Ahmed Usman (retd), said that the government was treating the reported threat with the seriousness it deserved, assuring residents that relevant security agencies were working with the state government, traditional institutions, and local communities to assess the situation and take appropriate measures.
The government urged residents of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities to remain calm and vigilant while promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities to security authorities.
However, it cautioned political actors against turning security into a partisan contest, stressing that the safety of citizens should remain above political differences.
“Security should therefore not be turned into a political contest. Political differences are normal in a democracy, but the safety and security of citizens should remain above partisan interests,” the adviser said.
According to him, criminal elements do not distinguish between members of different political parties when attacking communities, noting that victims of insecurity are citizens irrespective of their political affiliations.
The government also defended its efforts and investments in strengthening security operations across the state, saying the administration had provided substantial logistical and financial support to security agencies operating in Sokoto.
It stated that the administration had restored monthly allowances for security personnel, which had previously been discontinued, while also reviewing and increasing them.
The government further listed the provision of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, patrol vehicles, and other security equipment among the measures taken to improve the operational capacity of security agencies.
“These investments demonstrate clearly that the government is not merely making statements about security; it is taking concrete steps and committing significant resources towards addressing the challenge.”
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The government also noted that insecurity in Sokoto predated the present administration, arguing that the challenge had become entrenched before Governor Ahmed Aliyu assumed office.
It pointed out that Dan’iya, who served as deputy governor in the previous administration, was therefore familiar with the security situation and could appreciate the differences in the approaches adopted by successive administrations.
However, the government acknowledged that insecurity remained a complex challenge requiring more than government intervention alone.
It called for closer cooperation among the federal government, state government, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, and residents to improve intelligence gathering and prevent attacks.
“Rather than trading accusations, all political actors should support efforts aimed at strengthening security and providing useful information to the authorities.”
He added that what residents needed at the present time was cooperation, intelligence sharing, and practical solutions, rather than statements capable of heightening fear or creating unnecessary tension.
The government commended security personnel operating in difficult circumstances, as well as traditional and community leaders, for their continued cooperation with authorities.
It assured residents that it would sustain investment in security, strengthen intelligence gathering, and deepen collaboration with communities and security agencies.
The government urged residents not to take security threats lightly, while equally cautioning against allowing such threats to generate unnecessary panic.
It reiterated its commitment to confronting insecurity through sustained investment, intelligence-led operations, community engagement, and improved coordination among security stakeholders.
“Security is a collective responsibility. It should unite us, not divide us. At this moment, Sokoto needs all hands on deck, irrespective of political affiliation, to defeat the criminal elements threatening the peace and livelihood of our people,” the adviser said.
