Sokoto State governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has announced a renewed security strategy to tackle banditry and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their ancestral communities.
Aliyu disclosed this while declaring open the eighth regular meeting of the State Executive Council in Sokoto.
The governor said the state government had adopted a more robust approach to the fight against banditry, adding that the strategy was already yielding results.
“We are recording tremendous improvement in our fight against banditry in the state, and we will not relent until we make the state safer,” Aliyu said.
He said sustained collaboration with security agencies had resulted in increased engagements with bandits, the rescue of kidnapped persons and the recovery of rustled livestock in parts of the state.
Aliyu cited recent operations in Rabah, Tureta and Kebbe Local Government Areas, where security agencies engaged bandits, rescued victims and recovered thousands of rustled livestock.
He said the provision of armoured vehicles and other operational equipment would further strengthen security operations and protect rural communities affected by banditry.
The governor assured residents that his administration would continue to support security agencies with the resources required to protect lives and property.
He also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and support efforts to restore lasting peace across the state.