Stop politicizing security issues – Sokoto govt tells residents

The Sokoto State Government has issued a stern warning to residents against making inflammatory and misleading statements that could undermine its ongoing fight against insecurity.

This caution was delivered by Colonel Ahmed Usman (Rtd), the Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in a statement released Monday.

The warning was in response to comments attributed to Basharu Altine Guyawa, who allegedly implied that the state government has not fulfilled its security responsibilities.

According to Col. Usman, “This type of comment can discourage people from appreciating what the government and security operatives have been doing to end insecurity in the state.”;

He further emphasized, “As the Governor always says, the issue of security is a collective one. The government alone cannot provide security without the contribution and support of the citizenry.”;

Urging for unity and responsibility, he added: “Therefore, our people should avoid sensationalizing and politicizing insecurity. Rather, they should support the government in its effort to find lasting solutions to our security challenges.”;

Col. Usman made it clear that the administration would not tolerate any disruptions: “The government will not condone any attempt by any individual or group to frustrate its efforts or distract it in this regard.”;

Detailing the state’s recent anti-banditry operations, he revealed: “The state government, in collaboration with security agencies, has been working assiduously to restore peace, particularly in the eastern part of the state which has been facing security challenges.”;

He pointed out that a recent joint operation “recorded tremendous success as many identified bandits’ hideouts were destroyed and several bandits killed in the process. Additionally, tens of kidnap victims were also rescued during the operation.”;

On resource support, the statement said, “The government has also maintained unending financial and logistics support to security agencies in the state. It even restored their monthly allowances which was hitherto stopped by the immediate past administration.”;

The adviser highlighted Governor Aliyu’s contributions: “The Gov Ahmed Aliyu-led government has so far donated hundreds of patrol vehicles and motorcycles to our security agencies since inception.”;

“Other measures taken to fight insecurity in the state include creating platforms where security operatives, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders meet regularly and share ideas on how best to tackle our security challenges. Alhamdulillah, the impact of their meeting is manifesting in our community because there is a drastic reduction in attacks in the state.”;

In a twist of irony, Col. Usman recalled that Guyawa, the same critic had once praised the governor’s security efforts.

“Ironically, Guyawa, who is the convener of the Movement for Social Justice in Nigeria, has in February conferred an award of excellence on His Excellency, Gov Ahmed Aliyu, in recognition of his government’s dedication to the maintenance of peace and security in the state.”;

“During the presentation of the award at the government house, Sokoto, Guyawa admitted that the state government had provided all the necessary intervention, which is yielding positive results in the fight against insurgency,”; the statement concluded.