Sokoto State has strengthened its security operations with the commissioning of security vehicles, motorcycles and advanced equipment worth ₦27.6 billion.
The assets were officially unveiled by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd.), during a ceremony held at Giginya Memorial Stadium in Sokoto.
The newly acquired equipment includes 62 operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles, Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bullet-resistant vehicles, bulletproof helmets and vests, night-vision devices, thermal imaging systems and other high-tech security tools designed to improve surveillance, intelligence gathering and rapid response operations.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the investment became necessary because of Sokoto’s location, which shares borders with Zamfara, Katsina and the Republic of Niger. He noted that communities in the eastern part of the state have continued to face threats from bandits and other criminal groups.
According to the governor, security became one of his administration’s top priorities immediately after taking office.
He recalled that the state had earlier provided more than 200 patrol vehicles and over 250 motorcycles to various security agencies to strengthen their operations.
Aliyu also said the government restored and increased monthly allowances for security personnel serving in frontline communities and established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, equipping it with 40 Hilux patrol vehicles and 700 motorcycles.
Beyond equipment, the administration has invested in security infrastructure by constructing military barracks in Illela and a Mobile Police Barracks in Tangaza Local Government Area. It also supported the operationalisation of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto, improved the communication and surveillance capacity of the Department of State Services (DSS), and provided housing for security personnel.
The governor added that additional operational vehicles had been donated to the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Air Force, while the DSS received motorcycles to improve its field operations.
He said the state also procured Buffalo APCs and BMW R1250 GS Adventure motorcycles and facilitated the establishment of new Forward Operating Bases in Kagara, Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas to strengthen security presence and ensure quicker responses to emerging threats.
The latest investment, he said, reflects the state’s determination to restore peace and protect lives and property.
