Sokoto Unveils ₦27.1bn Security Arsenal As Defence Minister Sends Tough Message To Bandits
The battle against insecurity in Nigeria’s North-West has received a major boost as Sokoto State rolled out billions of naira worth of armoured vehicles, motorcycles and tactical equipment to strengthen operations against banditry and terrorism.
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), on Wednesday commissioned 62 armoured and operational vehicles, 320 motorcycles and other security equipment procured by the Sokoto State Government at ₦27.127 billion.
Commissioning the assets in Sokoto, Musa praised Governor Ahmed Aliyu for complementing Federal Government efforts to combat insecurity, describing the investment as evidence of strategic leadership and responsible governance.
The equipment includes Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers, bulletproof operational vehicles, bulletproof vests and helmets, night-vision goggles and thermal imaging devices.
Musa urged security personnel to deploy the equipment effectively and maintain them properly, stressing the need for security forces to remain resolute in confronting terrorists and bandits.
Governor Aliyu said the assets would be strategically deployed to security flashpoints to strengthen ongoing operations against criminal groups.
According to him, his administration had already spent more than ₦36 billion on various security interventions before the latest ₦27.1 billion procurement.
Previous investments include operational vehicles and motorcycles, the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, construction of military and Mobile Police barracks and support for the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto.
The Defence Minister urged other state governments and Nigerians to emulate Sokoto by providing greater logistical and operational support to security agencies.
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