From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has issued a stern warning to political figures against engaging in unauthorized security operations, labeling such actions as dangerous, unlawful, and ultimately counterproductive.
This warning follows a recent incident involving a serving senator who allegedly attempted to deploy members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Borno State to Sokoto without clearance from the appropriate authorities.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), expressed the government’s displeasure with what it described as a growing trend among some political actors to take security matters into their own hands.
“While we acknowledge that the fight against insecurity is a collective responsibility, resorting to self-help without the knowledge or consent of the government can do more harm than good”
Col. Usman stated that although the government remains open to collaborations aimed at enhancing security, such efforts must be in line with the state’s existing security architecture and protocols.
He said the issue of security is too sensitive to be politicized or manipulated for cheap political gains, adding that no individual has the authority to recruit “Yansakai” or deploy armed personnel under any guise without government approval.
According to him, doing so not only undermines the rule of law but also suggests a breakdown of governmental authority, he warned.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across the state and urged all concerned citizens and stakeholders to work within legal and institutional frameworks.
“Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration called for patience, lawful conduct, and cooperation from all quarters, warning that any further breach of protocol in the handling of security matters will attract strict sanctions”
The government’s caution comes amid rising concerns over the implications of unauthorized security deployments, which experts warn could worsen the already fragile security situation in parts of the state.