In a renewed effort to tackle the persistent threat of banditry and violent crimes in northern Nigeria, Ahmed Aliyu, has met with the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, where both leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration and intensify security operations in Sokoto State and other affected regions.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Abubakar Bawa, the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, focused on developing more effective strategies to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of violent crime that have continued to threaten communities, particularly in the North-West region.
Governor Aliyu assured the police boss of his administration’s full support for security agencies, stressing that the responsibility of protecting lives and property should not be left to the Federal Government alone. He emphasized that state governments must play active roles in supporting security operations through logistics, intelligence sharing, and community engagement.
“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 during the meeting.
The governor explained that security remains the cornerstone of his administration’s development blueprint, known as the 9-Point Smart Innovative Agenda. According to him, no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity, noting that investors, farmers, and traders can only thrive in a peaceful and stable environment.
He further stated that his administration has continued to support security agencies with operational vehicles, communication equipment, and other logistics to enhance their effectiveness in combating crime across the state. He added that the state government would continue to partner with the police, the military, and other security agencies to restore lasting peace in troubled areas.
Inspector-General Egbetokun, in his response, reportedly commended the Sokoto State Government for its continued support to security agencies and assured the governor that the Nigeria Police Force would intensify operations in the state. He noted that security challenges such as banditry require strong cooperation between federal and state authorities, as well as the support of local communities.
Security analysts say the meeting is significant, especially at a time when several states in the North-West and North-Central regions are grappling with bandit attacks, kidnappings, and rural violence, which have displaced thousands of residents and disrupted farming activities.
Sokoto State, which shares borders with Niger Republic, has faced repeated security threats in recent years, with bandits exploiting forest areas and border communities to carry out attacks before fleeing across borders. This has made collaboration between security agencies and state governments even more critical.
Observers believe that sustained cooperation between the Sokoto State Government and the police high command could lead to better intelligence gathering, faster response to attacks, and improved safety for residents.
The meeting between Governor Aliyu and the Inspector-General is therefore seen as part of broader ongoing efforts by both federal and state authorities to curb insecurity, restore public confidence, and create a safer environment for economic and social activities to thrive.
As Nigeria continues to battle complex security challenges across different regions, the emphasis on collaboration, shared responsibility, and sustained support for security agencies is increasingly being viewed as a key strategy in the fight against banditry and violent crime.
