As Nigeria marks its 66th anniversary of independence, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has stressed the need for greater collaboration between the Federal and State Governments in the fight against banditry and other forms of criminality bedevilling parts of the country.

The Governor made the appeal in his message to the people of Sokoto State to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Aliyu commended the support of the Federal Government in the fight against banditry in the state, stressing the need for the support to be sustained. He expressed optimism that stronger collaboration would soon make insecurity a thing of the past.

“There is a strong synergy between the Sokoto State Government and the Federal Government in our collective commitment towards protecting the lives and property of our people,” he said.

The Governor highlighted some of the interventions by the State Government to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.

These include the provision of over 200 patrol vehicles since the inception of his administration, two emirate bulletproof vehicles, 100 Buffalo APCs, 200 motorcycles, 3,200 security hardware, 2,000 bulletproof vests and 200 night-vision goggles.

Other interventions, according to the Governor, include the provision of 100 thermal-vision scopes and other security gadgets, facilitating the full operationalisation of the Nigerian Air Force Base, Sokoto, upgrading the DSS tracker from 4G to 5G technology, and establishing the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps.

He added that the State Government had also procured 40 Hilux vans and 700 motorcycles for the Community Guard Corps, facilitated the establishment of a military barracks in Illela and a Police Mobile Barracks at Tara Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, among other measures.

The Governor further reassured the people of the State of his administration’s continued determination to bring an end to banditry in Sokoto State.

He also appealed to citizens to rally around the administration in its efforts to restore lasting peace and security across the State.

Aliyu also reminded Nigerians of the struggles and sacrifices made by the country’s founding fathers in the pursuit of self-rule, urging citizens to draw inspiration from their patriotism and sacrifices in the collective effort to build a better nation.

According to him, Nigeria @66 has experienced many ups and downs, but has also recorded significant achievements since independence.

He expressed optimism that, with renewed commitment and collective efforts, the country would continue to make progress and become a better place for all.

The Governor solicited the continued support, cooperation and prayers of citizens for the nation’s leaders to enable them to effectively discharge their responsibilities and deliver on their mandates.

Aliyu wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.