The Sokoto State Government has distributed 62 armoured security vehicles and other operational equipment worth over ₦27 billion to strengthen security operations and improve the fight against banditry across the state.
The fleet, which includes Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and hundreds of motorcycles, will be deployed to security agencies to enhance mobility and improve rapid response to emerging threats.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu unveiled the vehicles under the state’s Operation Fight Terrorism initiative, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening security and supporting the welfare of security personnel.
He said the state had also established the Community Security Guards Corps and equipped it with 40 security vehicles to complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
The governor commended President Bola Tinubu for supporting ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the North-West and disclosed that a Mobile Police Barracks had been established in Tarah Village, Sabon Birni Local Government Area, to address persistent security challenges in the eastern part of the state.
Aliyu further revealed that the government had constructed five housing units each for the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to improve the welfare of security personnel.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), described mobility as a critical factor in combating banditry, noting that the newly acquired vehicles would significantly improve the operational effectiveness of security agencies.
He urged security personnel to remain proactive in confronting criminal elements and stressed that lasting peace would require sustained collaboration among the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies and local communities.
The vehicles will be deployed to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, NSCDC, and personnel providing security for the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway project.
