The Sokoto State Government has approved N1.59 billion for the procurement of 30 Toyota Hilux vans to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities. This move is part of the government's efforts to enhance security operations across the state. The Director General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Sokoto, Abubakar Bawa, disclosed this in a statement issued at the end of the eighth regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council.
The 30 Toyota Hilux vans will complement over 200 Hilux vans and 62 armoured vehicles previously procured and distributed to security agencies across the state. The contract for the 30 vans was awarded at N1,592,250,000. This latest development is aimed at further enhancing security operations and addressing the growing concerns of banditry and other crimes in the state.
In addition to the procurement of the Hilux vans, the Council also approved a bill for a law to enact the Sokoto State Banditry Special Prohibition Law, 2026. This law aims to strengthen legal measures against the activities of armed bandits. The government is taking a multi-faceted approach to address the security challenges in the state.
The Sokoto State Executive Council also approved several other contracts for infrastructure and education projects. N776.34 million was approved for the procurement of 10 Mitsubishi Canter vans, while N122 million was approved for two Toyota Hilux vans. These approvals demonstrate the government's commitment to investing in infrastructure and education.
The Council approved N118.14 million for the completion of 30 lock-up shops at the Sokoto State Transport Authority terminal. Additionally, N844.65 million was approved for the renovation and rehabilitation of dilapidated structures at Government Science Secondary School, Gwadabawa. These projects aim to improve the state's infrastructure and education sector.
The government also approved several other education-related projects, including N182.26 million for the renovation of Kebbi and Gwandu hostels at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, and N123.91 million for the renovation of a block of classrooms and construction of a perimeter wall, access roads, and other facilities at Ahmadu Bello Academy, Farfaru. These projects demonstrate the government's focus on improving education infrastructure.
The Sokoto State Government's efforts to strengthen security, education, and infrastructure are ongoing. The Council approved a bill to repeal the Shehu Shagari College of Education Law, 2026, to provide the institution with a dual mandate to award both National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree certificates. Key projects approved include the construction of a storey administrative block at Aliyu Magatakarda College of Technology and Advanced Studies and a perimeter fence at the Veterinary Specialist Hospital.
Key points
- The Sokoto State Government has approved N1.59 billion for 30 Toyota Hilux vans to enhance security operations.
