The Sokoto State Government has reassured residents that it is closely monitoring security developments and has put stringent measures in place to safeguard lives and property, dismissing public anxiety over reports that notorious bandit leader Bello Turji has acquired advanced weaponry and engaged mercenaries to train his fighters.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (retd), gave the assurance while addressing journalists regarding the reported activities of the bandit kingpin. He emphasized that security agencies are fully aware of the situation in banditry-prone areas and are taking proactive steps to nullify emerging threats.
The government’s reassurance coincides with recent successes by the military. Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma successfully foiled an abduction bid and neutralized several terrorists in Takatsaba, a border community in the Sabon Birni Local Government Area. Security forces recovered abandoned motorcycles, ammunition, and magazines as fleeing bandits retreated with gunshot wounds.
”Security is a continuous process, and as a government, we take every intelligence report seriously,” Usman stated. “We are working closely with the military, police, intelligence agencies, and other security formations to ensure that criminal elements do not have the opportunity to threaten the peace and stability of our state.”
Addressing the psychological impact of the reports, Usman noted that criminal networks often employ propaganda and misinformation to induce panic. He urged the public not to let these tactics undermine their confidence in the state’s security apparatus.
The state government highlighted its ongoing investments in the security architecture under Governor Ahmed Aliyu, which include Logistical Support, Financial Interventions and Community Policing with the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps and local vigilante groups to protect rural areas.
Usman urged citizens to remain calm, vigilant, and law-abiding, while continuing to provide security agencies with credible and timely information to sustain the current momentum against banditry.
