The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has met the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, assuring him of stronger collaboration and sustained support to security agencies battling banditry.
A statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Abubakar Bawa, on Thursday said Aliyu gave the assurance on Wednesday during a visit to the IGP at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where both leaders discussed intensifying operations to curb violent crimes in Sokoto and beyond.
“We are doing this because of our strong belief that protecting the lives and property of our people is a collective responsibility, not that of the Federal Government alone,” the governor said.
He said security remained the cornerstone of his administration’s 9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda, noting that no meaningful development could take place without peace.
“As such, we are determined to partner with the police and all relevant security agencies to further strengthen security across the state,” he added.
Aliyu disclosed that over 200 patrol vehicles had been procured and distributed to security agencies since he assumed office, describing it as part of a broader logistics support plan to improve rapid response and operational efficiency.
The governor acknowledged that while banditry remained a persistent threat, security forces had recorded notable gains in recent months, urging them not to relent.
“Despite the challenges, significant progress has been made. We must sustain the momentum,” he said, adding that intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation were key to winning the fight.
Aliyu also called for deeper synergy among security agencies, warning that fragmented efforts could undermine progress in tackling organised crime.
He paid tribute to the former Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Musa, now an Assistant Inspector-General, describing him as “a brave, disciplined, and committed officer” whose contributions had strengthened the state’s security architecture.
The governor challenged the newly posted Commissioner of Police, Hayatu Hassan, to build on that legacy.
Responding, IGP Egbetokun praised the Sokoto State Government for its consistent backing of security operations, assuring the governor of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to working with the state government.
“We will continue to collaborate closely with your administration to ensure Sokoto becomes safer and more secure,” he said.
Aliyu was accompanied on the visit by Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, and Chief of Staff, Aminu Haliru Dikko.