The former senator and member of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Engineer Abdullahi Ibrahim Gobir, has backed the renewed military and security offensive against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements operating in Sokoto East and other parts of Sokoto State.
Gobir, popularly known as Sardaunan Gobir, said sustained attacks on rural communities had become a threat to lives, livelihoods, agriculture, and economic activities across the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the former lawmaker said the renewed operations by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies provided an opportunity to dismantle criminal networks responsible for killings, abductions, displacement, and destruction of property.
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“The people of Sokoto have endured enough. Terrorists and bandits must not be allowed to dictate the future of our communities or hold innocent citizens hostage through fear and violence,” he said.
Gobir commended the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and the Community Guards Corps for intensifying operations against criminal elements.
He said the deployment of additional personnel and military equipment to vulnerable areas showed a renewed effort to reclaim territories where terrorists and bandits had operated with increasing audacity.
According to him, sustained pressure on the criminals would weaken their operational capacity and restore confidence among residents of Sabon Birni, Isa, and neighboring communities affected by insecurity.
However, Gobir stressed that military operations must be supported by credible intelligence from local communities.
“Intelligence is the eyes of every successful security operation, and communities must become the eyes and ears of our security agencies,” he said.
He urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious movements, criminal activities, hideouts, and other developments that could help prevent attacks and dismantle criminal networks.
The former senator also warned individuals who harbor, finance, shield, or provide logistical support to terrorists and bandits, saying such acts contribute to the suffering of innocent citizens.
He particularly condemned alleged informants who leak information about the movements and deployment of security personnel to criminal groups.
“That is a dangerous betrayal that can cost the lives of brave security personnel and expose entire communities to devastating attacks,” Gobir warned.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads, youth organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and develop effective community-based intelligence networks.
Gobir also appealed to residents of affected communities to remain calm, vigilant, and resilient, saying lasting peace would allow farmers, traders, and other residents to return to their normal economic activities.
“There can be no meaningful development where people are forced to abandon their farms, markets, and homes because of fear,” he said.
He urged the people of Sokoto East and other parts of the state to support legitimate security operations and deny criminal elements the local support needed to sustain their activities.
Gobir expressed optimism that sustained military pressure, improved intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and coordination among security agencies would lead to a decisive turning point in the fight against terrorism and banditry in Sokoto State.
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