The Sokoto State Government says its sustained investment in logistics, community-based security and inter-agency operations has contributed to the rescue of 153 kidnapped victims and the recovery of rustled livestock in the state since 2024.
The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (Rtd), disclosed this in a statement while reviewing the security achievements of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration since its inauguration in May 2023.
Usman said the government had provided more than 200 operational vehicles to security agencies across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas, alongside other tactical equipment and improved operational allowances for frontline personnel.
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He said the latest intervention included 62 operational vehicles and security equipment valued at N27.127 billion, comprising armoured vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof vests and helmets, night-vision and thermal devices.
Construction of Barracks
According to him, the administration had also supported the construction of military and police barracks in Illela and Tangaza, strengthened security communication and surveillance, and supported the operationalisation of the Nigerian Air Force 119 Composite Group Base in Sokoto.
Usman stated that the government established community-based security structures, including the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, while 1,550 operatives of the Sokoto Marshals Agency (SOSMA), including 70 female cadets, had graduated.
He said joint operations under Operation Fansan Yamma and other security operations had resulted in the rescue of 153 kidnapped victims, 20 in 2024, 63 in 2025 and 70 between January and September 2026.
According to him, security operations had also led to the recovery of rustled livestock and the neutralisation of suspected bandits in parts of Gundumi, Tangaza, Isa and Sabon Birni.
The Special Adviser cited the Sept. 20 operations as a recent example of the ongoing efforts, saying 23 kidnapped victims were rescued and four suspected Lakurawa members arrested during separate operations across parts of the state.
The Joint Task Force North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, had separately confirmed the rescue of 23 kidnapped civilians and the arrest of four suspected Lakurawa members during operations in Wurno, Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs on Sept. 20.
Usman, however, acknowledged that security challenges persisted in some parts of eastern and southern Sokoto, stressing that the government would continue to collaborate with security agencies, traditional institutions and communities to improve security.
He said the administration remained committed to creating an environment conducive to economic and social development across the state.
“We will not rest until every Sokoto resident sleeps in peace,” Usman quoted Governor Aliyu.
