Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has declared that his administration will continue to wage an unrelenting war against terrorists until they are defeated and life returns to normal. The governor made this statement while opening the eighth regular meeting of the State Executive Council. He emphasized that the government will not negotiate with terrorists, but rather insist on their unconditional surrender. This stance is in line with the governor's previous declaration in May 2026, where he stated that the government will not negotiate with any criminal unless they surrender unconditionally.
The Sokoto State government has awarded a contract for the procurement of 30 Toyota Hilux operational vehicles to support security agencies in the fight against terrorists and other criminal groups. The vehicles are valued at ₦1.592 billion. This is in addition to over 200 Hilux vans and 62 armoured vehicles that the government had previously procured and distributed to security agencies. The administration has also constructed a military base at Illela, a border town on Nigeria's border with Niger Republic. This move is part of the government's efforts to strengthen its security architecture and provide a safe environment for its citizens.
Since assuming office, the Aliyu administration has provided over 200 patrol vehicles to security agencies and established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps. The corps has been provided with vehicles and motorcycles to support its operations in vulnerable communities. The community guard corps is expected to work with security forces to gather intelligence, which is critical in the war against terrorism. The government's investment in security has been substantial, with the procurement of 62 armoured security vehicles and other equipment at a cost of over ₦27 billion in July 2026.
The insecurity in Sokoto State is part of a larger regional crisis that affects the North-West states. To address this, the governors of the North-West have strengthened cooperation in the war against terrorists. The objective is to move beyond isolated, state-by-state responses and improve intelligence sharing, joint planning, and coordination of military operations across state boundaries. This coordinated approach is crucial in sustaining pressure on terrorist groups and preventing them from exploiting gaps between states.
The North-West Governors' Forum has presented the Northwest Peace, Security and Development Framework 2026–2030 at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. The framework seeks to bring the seven states together around shared security, development, and economic priorities, while seeking stronger international partnerships and support for its implementation. This move demonstrates the commitment of the North-West governors to a coordinated approach to addressing the security challenges in the region.
The Sokoto State government has also sought to combine logistics for conventional security agencies with community-based security, intelligence gathering, and stronger operational presence in vulnerable areas. The establishment of a military base in Illela is part of this broader effort. The government has also approved a bill for the Sokoto State Banditry Special Prohibition Law, 2026, which aims to strengthen the legal response to banditry by specifically penalizing and checking the activities of armed bandits.
Governor Aliyu's declaration is a reaffirmation of a security policy backed by a substantial war chest and political will. The governor has consistently matched his words with action, and his administration's investment in security has been substantial. The equipment provided to security agencies enables them to reach vulnerable communities, respond faster, sustain operations, and ultimately defeat the terrorists. The governor has also been vocal about the role of collaborators in sustaining terrorist attacks, emphasizing that the fight against terrorism cannot be limited to the terrorists alone.
Key points
- The Sokoto State government has invested heavily in security, including the procurement of over 200 patrol vehicles and 62 armoured security vehicles.
- The government has also established the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps to work with security forces in gathering intelligence.
- The North-West governors have strengthened cooperation in the war against terrorists, presenting a framework for a coordinated approach to addressing the security challenges in the region.
