Sokoto Urges Politicians to Stop Politicising Insecurity

Sokoto State has told political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to stop turning insecurity into a political dispute, saying the state’s security challenges require cooperation.

The warning followed concerns from African Democratic Congress governorship candidate Manir Dan’iya about reported threats against residents of Kebbe Local Government Area. Colonel Ahmed Usman, security adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, said the government and security agencies were treating the threat seriously. They are working with traditional institutions and local communities to assess the situation and take measures to prevent an attack.

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The reported threat to Kebbe is being treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Usman urged residents of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities to stay calm but alert and to report suspicious movements and activities to security authorities. The response comes as parts of Sokoto, particularly Kebbe, face renewed concerns after attacks, displacement and threats to livelihoods by suspected criminal elements.

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We not only restored the monthly allowances of security personnel which had been discontinued by the previous administration; we also reviewed and increased those allowances.

The adviser said insecurity had become entrenched in parts of the state before Aliyu took office. He also pointed to Dan’iya’s experience as deputy governor in the previous administration, saying it should help him assess the differences in the two governments’ approaches to security.

Usman said the Aliyu administration restored and increased monthly allowances for security personnel. It also provided mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles, patrol vehicles and other equipment. The government said those measures showed it was committing resources, not merely issuing statements, as it responded to the continuing security challenge.

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These investments demonstrate clearly that the government is not merely making statements about security; it is taking concrete steps and committing significant resources towards addressing the challenge.