Sokoto Government Aide Warns Against Politicising Security, Calls for Unified Response

The Special Adviser to the Sokoto State Governor on Security Matters, Col. Abdul Usman-Ahmad (Rtd.), has appealed for a united front against insecurity in the state, cautioning the African Democratic Congress (ADC) against turning the issue into a political weapon.

The appeal was made in a statement released to journalists on Thursday.

Usman-Ahmad's comments were a direct response to remarks by the ADC's governorship candidate in Sokoto, Alhaji Mannir Dan'iya, who had spoken on reported bandit threats against residents of the Kebbe community.

The adviser urged all stakeholders to embrace a joint, coordinated response to the state's security challenges rather than allowing the matter to become a point of political contention. He reaffirmed that safeguarding lives and property remains the top priority of Governor Ahmed Aliyu's administration.

On the specific threat to Kebbe, Usman-Ahmad said the matter was being handled with appropriate urgency, noting that security agencies were collaborating with stakeholders to evaluate the situation and take preventive action. He appealed to residents to stay calm, remain alert, and report any suspicious activity to the relevant authorities without delay.

The special adviser pointed out that Sokoto's security challenges predate the current administration, tracing their origins to the previous government. He noted that Dan'iya — who served as Deputy Governor in that earlier administration — was well placed to recognise the contrast between the two governments' approaches to security.

He listed several measures the current administration has introduced, including the restoration and subsequent increase of monthly allowances for security personnel that had been suspended under the previous government. He also cited the provision of logistical resources such as MRAP vehicles, new patrol vans, and other equipment aimed at boosting the operational strength of security agencies in the state.

"These investments demonstrate that the government is taking concrete steps and committing resources toward addressing insecurity," he said.

Usman-Ahmad acknowledged, however, that insecurity is a complex problem that no single government can solve alone. He called for combined efforts from the Federal Government, the State Government, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders, community leaders, and ordinary residents.

"Security should therefore not be turned into a political contest," he said. "Political differences are normal in a democracy, but the safety and security of citizens should remain above partisan interests."

He warned that politicising security matters could weaken efforts to protect lives and restore peace, stressing that, those criminal actors make no distinction between political affiliations when carrying out attacks on communities.

The adviser also praised the sacrifices made by security personnel, pledging continued government support for their operations and ongoing collaboration with communities to prevent attacks.

"Government urges residents of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities to remain calm and vigilant, cooperate with security agencies, and avoid actions capable of creating unnecessary panic," he added.

Report has it that Police Public Relations Officer Ahmad Rufa'i had earlier confirmed that bandits had issued threats against residents of the Kebbe Local Government Area of Sokoto State.