The Sokoto State Government has issued a stern warning to residents against making inflammatory or misleading statements that could undermine the state’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
This caution was conveyed in a statement on Sunday by Colonel Ahmed Usman (Retired), Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in response to comments attributed to Basharu Altine Guyawa, convener of the Movement for Social Justice in Nigeria.
Guyawa had reportedly questioned the government’s handling of security issues—a claim the state government dismissed as baseless and potentially damaging to public confidence.
Colonel Usman described such remarks as counterproductive, emphasising that they do little to support the tireless work being undertaken by security agencies and the government to restore peace, particularly in volatile areas of the state.
“Security, as His Excellency always maintains, is a shared responsibility. The government alone cannot achieve lasting peace without the active support of its citizens,” Usman stressed.
He urged members of the public to refrain from politicising security matters and instead support the government’s initiatives aimed at addressing threats across communities.
He stated, “In the past few months, the state government, working in collaboration with security agencies, has launched several coordinated operations in the eastern axis of the state, which has faced persistent security threats.
“These efforts have resulted in the destruction of bandit hideouts, the neutralisation of armed criminals, and the successful rescue of many abducted persons.
“Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration has also bolstered the operational capacity of security forces by restoring allowances previously withdrawn by the past administration and donating hundreds of patrol vehicles and motorcycles.
“Beyond military responses, the government has introduced a multi-stakeholder approach that brings together security personnel, traditional rulers, and community leaders to jointly strategise on improving safety. According to officials, these engagements have contributed significantly to the recent drop in violent attacks across the state.”
He further explained that Guyawa, now critical of the administration, had only in February honoured Governor Aliyu with an award of excellence in recognition of his commitment to peace and security.
“At the event held at Government House, Sokoto, he publicly commended the government’s efforts and acknowledged the positive outcomes being recorded.”
Reaffirming its stance, the state government reiterated its determination to sustain the momentum in the fight against insecurity, warning that any attempt to derail or discredit the progress made so far would not be tolerated.
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