The Sokoto State Government has taken a significant step to bolster its security efforts by awarding contracts for the procurement of 30 Toyota Hilux vans at a cost of N1,592,250,000. This initiative was disclosed at the end of the 8th Regular State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Ahmed Aliyu. The move is aimed at supporting security agencies in their fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
This recent allocation is in addition to the over 200 Hilux vans and 62 armoured vehicles earlier procured and distributed to security agencies in the state. The Sokoto State Government has been actively working to strengthen security operations and tackle the menace of banditry. The procurement of these vehicles is part of a broader strategy to enhance the capabilities of security agencies and ensure the safety of citizens.
In a related development, the council approved a bill for a law to enact the Sokoto State Banditry Special Prohibition Law, 2026. This legislation aims to penalize and checkmate the activities of armed bandits in the state, providing a legal framework for addressing the issue of banditry. The bill is part of the government's efforts to combat insecurity and establish a more robust security architecture.
The council also approved the procurement of additional vehicles, including 10 Mitsubishi Canter vans at a cost of N776,340,000 and two Toyota Hilux vans at a cost of N122 million. These vehicles are expected to further enhance the operational capabilities of security agencies in the state. The approvals were part of a series of decisions made during the council meeting to address various development needs.
In addition to security-related initiatives, the council approved several infrastructure and development projects. These include the completion of 30 lock-up shops at the Sokoto State Transport Authority terminal at a cost of N118,137,119. The renovation and rehabilitation of dilapidated structures at Government Science Secondary School, Gwadabawa, were also approved at a cost of N844,654,296.
The council further approved the renovation of Kebbi and Gwandu hostels at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, at a cost of N182,258,695. Additionally, the renovation of a block of classrooms and the construction of a perimeter wall, access roads, and other facilities at Ahmadu Bello Academy, Farfaru, were approved at a cost of N123,910,686. These projects aim to improve educational infrastructure in the state.
Other approvals included the renovation of eight housing units at Shehu Shagari College of Education at a cost of N168,670,000 and the purchase of library equipment for Shehu Shagari University of Education at a cost of N132,460,000. The construction of a storey administrative block at Aliyu Magatakarda College of Technology and Advanced Studies was approved at a cost of N550,424,000. Furthermore, the council approved a bill to repeal the Shehu Shagari College of Education Law, 2026, and the construction of a perimeter fence at the Veterinary Specialist Hospital.
Key points
- The Sokoto State Government has allocated N1.59 billion for the procurement of 30 Toyota Hilux vans to enhance security efforts.
- The government has also approved a bill to enact the Sokoto State Banditry Special Prohibition Law, 2026, to address banditry.
- Several infrastructure and development projects were approved, including educational and transport infrastructure upgrades.
