The Sokoto State Government has urged political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to stop politicising insecurity, stressing that addressing the state’s security challenges requires collective action and cooperation.
The government made the call on Thursday while responding to concerns raised by the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Manir Dan’iya, over reported threats against residents of Kebbe Local Government Area.
The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), said the reported threat to Kebbe was being taken seriously by the government and security agencies.
“The reported threat to Kebbe is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. Relevant security agencies are working with the state government, traditional institutions and local communities to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent any attack,” he said.
He urged residents of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities to remain calm but vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security authorities.
The reaction comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of Sokoto State, particularly Kebbe LGA, where communities have in recent weeks faced attacks, displacement and threats to their livelihoods by suspected criminal elements.
The adviser said the security challenge was not created by the present administration, noting that insecurity had become entrenched in parts of the state before Governor Ahmed Aliyu assumed office.
He also recalled that Dan’iya served as deputy governor in the previous administration, saying his experience should enable him to assess the current government’s security efforts.
“Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya served as Deputy Governor during the previous administration and, therefore, is in a good position to appreciate the difference in approach between the two administrations, particularly in terms of government support to security agencies and the response to emerging security threats,” he said.
According to him, the Aliyu administration had increased financial and logistical support to security agencies deployed across the state.
“We not only restored the monthly allowances of security personnel which had been discontinued by the previous administration; we also reviewed and increased those allowances,” he said.
The adviser added that the state government had provided Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, patrol vehicles and other security equipment to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies.
“These investments demonstrate clearly that the government is not merely making statements about security; it is taking concrete steps and committing significant resources towards addressing the challenge,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that government intervention alone could not completely address the security situation, stressing the importance of cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and residents.
“Security should therefore not be turned into a political contest. Political differences are normal in a democracy, but the safety and security of citizens should remain above partisan interests,” he said.
The adviser warned that politicising insecurity could undermine efforts to protect communities, noting that criminal elements do not consider political affiliations when attacking their victims.
“Criminal elements do not distinguish between APC, ADC, PDP or any other political party when attacking communities. Their victims are citizens, regardless of their political affiliation,” he said.
He urged political parties and their candidates to channel useful intelligence to security agencies rather than engage in accusations and counter-accusations.
“What our people need is cooperation, intelligence sharing and practical solutions, not statements that could heighten fear or create unnecessary political tension,” he said.
The adviser assured residents that the state government would continue to support security agencies, strengthen intelligence gathering and deepen collaboration with communities to prevent attacks.
“Our appeal to the people of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities is to remain calm, vigilant and cooperate with security agencies. Residents should not take security threats lightly, but neither should they allow such threats to create unnecessary panic,” he said.
He added, “Security is a collective responsibility. It should unite us, not divide us. At this moment, Sokoto needs all hands on deck, irrespective of political affiliation, to defeat the criminal elements threatening the peace and livelihood of our people.”
