In this interview with THE WHISTLER, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd.), explains why the Sokoto State Government will not allow bandits to establish parallel authority through the imposition of illegal levies on rural communities.
He also speaks on reports that notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has acquired sophisticated weapons, ongoing military operations in eastern Sokoto, the challenge of informants, the resettlement of displaced persons, and allegations of misunderstandings within government.
Excerpts:
There Are Reports That Bandits Impose Illegal Levies On Rural Communities. What Is The Government Doing To Stop This?
Reports of bandits extorting rural communities through illegal levies are deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable. No citizen should be forced to pay criminals in order to live peacefully or pursue legitimate economic activities.
The Sokoto State Government is working closely with security agencies to intensify operations in affected areas, strengthen intelligence gathering, increase patrols, disrupt criminal networks and improve rapid response capabilities.
While operational details cannot always be disclosed for strategic reasons, I can assure residents that these reports are receiving appropriate attention.
Our message remains clear: criminal groups will not be allowed to establish parallel authority anywhere within Sokoto State.
There Are Reports That Notorious Bandit Leader Bello Turji Has Acquired Sophisticated Weapons And Recruited Mercenaries. What Intelligence Does The Sokoto State Government Have Regarding These Claims?
The activities of Bello Turji and similar criminal elements are being taken very seriously by the Sokoto State Government and all relevant security agencies. However, as a matter of operational security, it would be inappropriate to disclose specific intelligence or ongoing operational details in the public domain.
I can assure residents that the state government maintains close collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security institutions to continuously assess emerging threats and respond appropriately.
Whenever credible intelligence indicates that criminal groups are attempting to acquire more sophisticated weapons, recruit fighters or expand their operations, the appropriate security agencies take the necessary countermeasures.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains fully committed to supporting security operations through logistics, intelligence sharing and community engagement to ensure that criminal groups are denied the opportunity to regroup or strengthen their capabilities.
We also urge members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports that may create unnecessary panic. Instead, citizens should continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information through established reporting channels.
The Government Says It Has Strengthened The State’s Security Architecture. What Are The Major Achievements Recorded Over The Past Year?
Over the past year, the Sokoto State Government has made significant investments in strengthening security across the state, and these efforts are already producing encouraging results.
One of the administration’s landmark achievements is the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, which complements the work of conventional security agencies by providing community-based intelligence and supporting efforts to protect lives and property.
The government also established the State Security Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir, to provide a platform for regular security assessments, strategic coordination and timely decision-making.
This administration also reintroduced the Sokoto State Hisbah Agency and strengthened the Sokoto State Marshals to enhance public order and community safety.
In addition, the Federal Government trained, equipped and deployed Forest Guards to vulnerable forest corridors and communities to improve surveillance, gather intelligence and deny criminal elements safe havens.
Beyond these initiatives, the government has continued to provide operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistics to security agencies to improve mobility and rapid response.
Equally important has been the strengthening of collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, NSCDC and local vigilante groups. Intelligence sharing has improved considerably, while engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders has strengthened early warning systems.
As a result, many communities previously affected by insecurity have witnessed improved safety, renewed public confidence and the gradual return of normal social and economic activities.
Several Communities In Eastern Sokoto, Particularly Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo And Rabah Local Government Areas, Continue To Experience Security Challenges. What Additional Measures Are Being Taken?
The security situation in eastern Sokoto remains a top priority for Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration. While appreciable progress has been recorded, we recognise that these frontline communities require sustained and targeted interventions.
The government has intensified collaboration with the military, police, DSS, NSCDC and other security agencies to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating in those areas.
We have also increased logistical support while deploying Community Guards Corps personnel and Forest Guards to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and security presence in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.
The State Security Committee continues to review developments regularly and recommend appropriate responses to emerging threats. At the same time, we are deepening collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Rabah and every other part of Sokoto State.
Residents Often Complain About Attacks Occurring Despite The Presence Of Security Personnel. How Do You Respond To Concerns About Gaps In Security Coverage?
The concerns of residents are understandable and should never be dismissed. The presence of security personnel does not automatically eliminate every threat. Security operations are influenced by difficult terrain, the mobility of criminal groups, intelligence availability and the need to protect numerous vulnerable communities with limited resources.
From my experience as a retired Army officer, effective security depends on proactive intelligence, rapid response and strong collaboration between security agencies and local communities.
Criminals often exploit isolated locations and difficult terrain, making it impossible to permanently station security personnel in every settlement.
The government is therefore improving intelligence gathering, strengthening coordination among security agencies and deploying resources based on emerging threats and operational priorities.
Community participation remains indispensable because many attacks have been prevented through credible intelligence provided by residents.
