Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State on Security, Col Ahmed Usman(rtd), in this interview by our correspondent, Olakunle Maruf, speaks on some of the challenges and efforts of the state government in tackling the menace of insecurity in the state.

Several communities in eastern Sokoto, particularly Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, and Rabah Local Government Areas, continue to experience security challenges. What measures are being taken to make these areas safe?

The security situation in eastern Sokoto remains a top priority for Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration. While appreciable progress has been recorded, we recognize that these frontline communities require sustained and targeted interventions.

The government has intensified collaboration with the military, police, DSS, NSCDC, and other security agencies to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating in those areas.

We have also increased logistical support to security agencies while deploying Community Guards Corps personnel and forest guards to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering, and security presence in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.

The State Security Committee continues to review developments regularly and recommend appropriate responses to emerging threats. At the same time, we are deepening collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and community stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering and encourage residents to provide credible information.

The state government also maintains close collaboration with the Federal Government and military high command to ensure that affected communities receive the necessary operational support.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Rabah, and every other part of Sokoto State.

Reports suggest that bandit leader, Bello Turji, has acquired sophisticated weapons and recruited mercenaries. What specific intelligence does the state government have regarding these claims?

The activities of Bello Turji and similar criminal elements are being taken very seriously by the Sokoto State Government and all relevant security agencies. However, as a matter of operational security, it would be inappropriate to disclose specific intelligence or ongoing operational details in the public domain.

I can assure residents that the state government maintains close collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security institutions to continuously assess emerging threats and respond appropriately.

Whenever credible intelligence indicates that criminal groups are attempting to acquire more sophisticated weapons, recruit fighters, or expand their operations, the appropriate security agencies take the necessary countermeasures.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains fully committed to supporting security operations through logistics, intelligence sharing, and community engagement to ensure that criminal groups are denied the opportunity to regroup or strengthen their capabilities.

We also urge members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports that may create unnecessary panic. Instead, citizens should continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information through established reporting channels.

The government says it has strengthened the state’s security architecture. What are some of the major achievements recorded over the past year?

Over the past year, the Sokoto State Government has made significant investments in strengthening security across the state, and these efforts are already producing encouraging results.

One of the administration’s landmark achievements is the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, which complements the work of conventional security agencies by providing community-based intelligence and supporting efforts to protect lives and property.

The government also established the State Security Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Engineer Idris Mohammed Gobir. The committee provides a platform for regular security assessments, strategic coordination, and timely decision-making among all relevant stakeholders.

This administration also reintroduced the Sokoto State Hisbah Agency and strengthened the Sokoto State Marshals to enhance public order and community safety. The Hisbah Agency plays a vital role in promoting moral values, fostering peaceful coexistence, encouraging social responsibility, supporting conflict resolution, and complementing law enforcement efforts in maintaining discipline and protecting the welfare of society in accordance with the state’s legal and cultural framework.

In addition, the Federal Government trained, equipped, and deployed forest guards to vulnerable forest corridors and communities. Their role is to improve surveillance, gather intelligence, and deny criminal elements safe havens while working closely with conventional security agencies.

Beyond these initiatives, the government has continued to provide operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment, and other logistics to security agencies to improve mobility and rapid response, particularly in difficult terrain.

Equally important has been the strengthening of collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, the NSCDC, and local vigilante groups. Intelligence sharing has improved considerably, while community engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local stakeholders has strengthened early warning systems.

As a result, many communities previously affected by insecurity have witnessed improved safety, renewed public confidence, and the gradual return of normal social and economic activities. While security remains a continuous responsibility, the state’s security architecture is becoming more coordinated, responsive, and effective.

Residents often complain about attacks occurring despite the presence of security personnel. How do you respond to concerns about gaps in security coverage?

The concerns of residents are understandable and should never be dismissed. The presence of security personnel does not automatically eliminate every threat. Security operations are influenced by several factors, including difficult terrain, the mobility of criminal groups, intelligence availability, and the need to protect numerous vulnerable communities with limited resources.

From my experience as a retired Army officer, effective security depends on proactive intelligence, rapid response, and strong collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Criminals often exploit isolated locations and difficult terrain, making it impossible to permanently station security personnel in every settlement.

The state government is therefore continuously improving intelligence gathering, strengthening coordination among security agencies, and deploying available resources based on emerging threats and operational priorities.

Community participation remains indispensable. Many attacks have been prevented through credible intelligence provided by residents.

While we acknowledge existing challenges, we remain committed to reviewing our strategies, strengthening vulnerable areas, improving response times, and ensuring lasting peace across the state.

There are reports that bandits impose illegal levies on rural communities. What is government doing to stop this?

Reports of bandits extorting rural communities through illegal levies are deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable. No citizen should be forced to pay criminals in order to live peacefully or pursue legitimate economic activities.

The Sokoto State Government is working closely with security agencies to intensify operations in affected areas, strengthen intelligence gathering, increase patrols, disrupt criminal networks, and improve rapid response capabilities.

While operational details cannot always be disclosed for strategic reasons, I can assure residents that these reports are taken seriously and are receiving appropriate attention.

Our message remains clear: criminal groups will not be allowed to establish parallel authority anywhere within Sokoto State.

How is the government addressing the issue of informants who allegedly support criminal groups?

Informants remain one of the greatest challenges in the fight against banditry. Individuals who provide information, logistics, or any other support to criminal groups endanger innocent lives and undermine the sacrifices of our security personnel.

The government is working closely with security agencies to identify, investigate, and prosecute anyone found collaborating with criminal elements.

In addition, the state government is introducing legislation prescribing severe penalties for individuals convicted of acting as informants or providing any form of assistance to criminal groups.

We also encourage residents to report suspicious activities through appropriate security channels. Anyone found aiding criminals will face the full weight of the law in accordance with due process.

Some displaced residents remain reluctant to return home because of security concerns. What assurances can government provide?

Their concerns are understandable. The government will never encourage displaced persons to return until there is reasonable confidence that their communities are safe. Resettlement will always be safe, voluntary, and dignified.

Communities identified for resettlement undergo detailed security assessments involving the military, police, and other security agencies. Security presence will be maintained through strategic deployments, increased patrols, and rapid response mechanisms.

The government is also rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring schools, healthcare facilities, and water supply, and supporting livelihoods through agricultural assistance, skills acquisition, and empowerment programmes.

Additionally, the state government, with the support of some international organizations, recently constructed 100 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Illela Local Government Area. Another 100 housing units are currently under construction in Wurno Local Government Area, as part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safe resettlement, rehabilitation, and improved living conditions of displaced persons across the state.

Our commitment is to ensure that returning families not only feel secure but also have the necessary support to rebuild their lives.

Beyond military operations, what socioeconomic measures are being implemented to address the root causes of insecurity?

Lasting security cannot be achieved through military operations alone. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration is implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion.

The government has prioritized youth empowerment through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, skills acquisition, and employment initiatives designed to provide young people with viable alternatives to crime.

Agriculture also remains a major focus, through improved access to farming inputs, irrigation support, improved seedlings, and agricultural value-chain development.

The government is equally investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and targeted social intervention programmes while working closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organizations, and the private sector to strengthen social cohesion and reduce the conditions that criminal elements seek to exploit.

Looking ahead, what should residents expect from government, and how confident are you that banditry can be significantly reduced?

Residents should expect an even more coordinated, intelligence-driven, and community-focused security strategy.

The government will continue strengthening logistical support for security agencies, improving operational mobility, enhancing intelligence gathering, expanding community engagement, and improving rapid response capabilities.

We are optimistic but realistic. Banditry is a complex security challenge that cannot be eliminated overnight.

However, through sustained security operations, stronger intelligence, continued government support, and active public cooperation, we are confident that it can be significantly reduced.

Encouraging progress has already been recorded in several parts of the state, and our determination is to consolidate these gains until every community enjoys lasting peace.

What message does the government have for residents who fear a resurgence of large-scale attacks?

Our message is one of reassurance, vigilance, and resolve.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration is not taking any security threat lightly. We have strengthened collaboration with all security agencies, enhanced intelligence gathering, increased patrols in vulnerable communities, and continue to support ongoing operations aimed at preventing criminal elements from regrouping.

We urge residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities, and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities.

Security is a shared responsibility. With sustained government commitment, the professionalism of our security agencies, and the cooperation of the public, we are confident that the gains already recorded will be consolidated and that Sokoto State will continue progressing toward lasting peace and security.

How has your experience been since your appointment as Special Adviser on Security to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, particularly in light of reports of misunderstandings between your office and some senior government officials over administrative matters?

My experience has been productive and fulfilling. Since my appointment, my primary focus has been on supporting His Excellency Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s vision of ensuring peace and security across the state. The nature of government work requires constant collaboration and consultation with various officials and institutions, and it is normal for there to be differences in perspectives from time to time.

However, I do not see such differences as personal or unusual. They are part of the process of governance and are resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, and our shared commitment to serving the people. My attention remains firmly on my responsibilities, and I enjoy a cordial working relationship with my colleagues as we all strive towards the common goal of delivering good governance. Ultimately, the interest of the state and its citizens will always take precedence over any individual considerations. (TRIBUNE)