From MUHAMMAD GAZALI GARBA

The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), on Wednesday commissioned 62 operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles and other high-tech security equipment valued at ?27.6 billion, procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen the fight against insecurity and consolidate peace across the state.

The security assets include operational vehicles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-resistant vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof helmets and vests, night-vision devices, thermal imaging equipment, security kits and other advanced tools designed to enhance intelligence gathering, improve operational mobility and strengthen the capacity of security agencies to combat banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony held at Giginya Memorial Stadium, Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the state’s proximity to Zamfara and Katsina states, as well as the Republic of Niger, has exposed parts of Sokoto, particularly communities in the eastern corridor, to persistent security threats.

He said this Informed his administration’s decision to accord the security sector top priority immediately after assuming office by providing all necessary support to security agencies to effectively tackle banditry and other criminal activities.

Governor Aliyu recalled that upon assuming office, his administration procured and distributed more than 200 patrol vehicles and over 250 motorcycles to security agencies across the state.

He added that the government also restored and increased monthly allowances for security personnel serving in frontline communities and established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, which has been equipped with 40 Hilux operational vehicles and 700 motorcycles.

He further stated that his administration constructed military barracks in Illela and a Mobile Police Barracks in Tangaza Local Government Area, operationalised the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto, enhanced the communication and surveillance capabilities of the Department of State Services (DSS), and provided housing units for security personnel as part of efforts to improve welfare and operational efficiency.

The governor also disclosed that the state government supplied operational vehicles to the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force, donated motorcycles to the Department of State Services, procured Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers and BMW R1250 GS Adventure motorcycles, and facilitated the establishment of additional Forward Operating Bases in Kagara, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas to strengthen rapid response to security threats.

According to Governor Aliyu, the latest intervention includes additional Buffalo APCs, upgraded armoured vehicles, motorcycles, thousands of security kits, bulletproof helmets and vests, night-vision devices, thermal imaging equipment and other modern security gadgets, which will be strategically deployed to identified flashpoints across the state.

He also announced the donation of operational vehicles and motorcycles to the Federal Ministry of Works to support security along the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway project initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The governor disclosed that the first batch of Forest Guards recruited under the Federal Government initiative had successfully completed training and had been deployed across the state, while expressing optimism that the second phase of recruitment would further strengthen surveillance in forests and rural communities.

Governor Aliyu expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to Sokoto State and commended the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, for honouring the state’s invitation despite his demanding national assignment.

He also thanked the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services for supporting Sokoto State’s participation in the Forest Guard initiative, urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible intelligence, as security remains a collective responsibility.

Commissioning the security equipment, General Christopher Musa described the investment as a demonstration of strategic leadership and responsible governance, saying it reflects Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of the people of Sokoto State.

The Defence Minister, who expressed pride in being a son of Sokoto State, recalled his childhood memories in the state and commended Governor Aliyu for consistently supporting security agencies through the provision of operational vehicles, logistics and other critical resources.

“This is not the first time the Governor has provided operational vehicles and logistics to security agencies. He has consistently supported our security institutions, and we remain grateful for his unwavering commitment,” the minister said.

General Musa noted that the newly commissioned assets would significantly improve the mobility, operational effectiveness and protection of security personnel engaged in combating banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to strengthening the Armed Forces and other security agencies through improved welfare, enhanced intelligence capabilities, modern technology and stronger inter-agency collaboration.

The minister stressed that security is a shared responsibility and urged citizens to continue providing credible information to security agencies, while charging officers entrusted with the newly commissioned equipment to maintain the assets properly and deploy them professionally in accordance with the law and established rules of engagement.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Director of Internal Affairs in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Mr. Solomon, conveyed the NSA’s warm greetings to the Government and people of Sokoto State and apologised for his inability to attend due to pressing official engagements.

Mr. Solomon commended the Sokoto State Government for its sustained investment in strengthening security through the provision of operational vehicles, Buffalo APCs, Hilux vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics, as well as the recruitment, sponsorship and training of about 2,000 Community Guards to complement conventional security agencies.

He disclosed that the Office of the National Security Adviser had facilitated the training of 1,000 Forest Guards for Sokoto State and ensured the prompt processing of the End-User Certificates required for the procurement of the newly commissioned security equipment.

He reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving security nationwide and assured Governor Ahmed Aliyu of the National Security Adviser’s continued support in advancing national security and safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.

Mr. Solomon also congratulated General Christopher Musa on the honour of having a major road named after him in Sokoto State, describing the recognition as a fitting tribute to his exemplary leadership, patriotism and distinguished service to Nigeria.

He called on governments at all levels, security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and citizens to sustain their collaboration in the collective effort to build a peaceful, secure and prosperous Sokoto State and Nigeria.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, represented by the Waziri of Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, commended the efforts of the Sokoto State Government in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities.

Earlier,the secretary to the state government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, Lauded the state government unwavering commitment to tackle banditry and other criminal activities through sustained investment in operational logistics and support for security agencies.

The ceremony Clamixed with the unveiling of a major road named after Minister of Defence,General Christopher Musa(Rtd),In recognition of his outstanding contributions to national security and his unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property of Nigerians.

Update news