Defence Minister Commissions 62 Armoured Vehicles, 320 Motorcycles as Sokoto Invests ₦27.1bn in Security
By SpyeTV News
The Minister of Defence, General Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), has commissioned 62 armoured vehicles, 320 motorcycles and other security equipment procured by the Sokoto State Government to strengthen the operational capabilities of security agencies combating insecurity across the state.
The security assets, valued at ₦27.127 billion, were unveiled on Wednesday during a ceremony in Sokoto, where the Minister commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for complementing the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle banditry, terrorism and other violent crimes.
General Musa described the investment as a clear demonstration of visionary leadership and responsible governance, noting that the procurement would significantly enhance the effectiveness of security agencies operating in the state.
“This event is not merely the unveiling of security assets. It is a demonstration of strategic leadership, responsible governance and our collective determination to strengthen the security architecture of Sokoto State and Nigeria as a whole,” the minister stated.
He urged security personnel to make effective use of the newly acquired equipment and ensure proper maintenance to maximise their operational lifespan.
The Defence Minister also stressed the need for security forces to remain resolute in confronting criminal elements, reiterating that terrorists and bandits must be decisively neutralised during operations. He further emphasised that security is a collective responsibility, calling on citizens to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence.
General Musa expressed optimism that Nigeria’s current security challenges would soon become history through sustained collaboration between governments, security agencies and citizens.
Speaking earlier, the Minister acknowledged that although Sokoto had experienced isolated security incidents, the state remained largely peaceful due to the proactive efforts of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration.
He recalled that the Sokoto State Government had consistently supported security agencies through previous interventions, describing such investments as morale-boosting and critical to improving operational efficiency.
General Musa also encouraged other state governments and patriotic Nigerians to emulate Sokoto by supporting security agencies with logistics and operational equipment.
Unveiling the security intervention, Governor Ahmed Aliyu disclosed that the latest procurement includes Buffalo Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), bulletproof operational vehicles, motorcycles, bulletproof vests and helmets, night-vision goggles, thermal imaging devices and other tactical equipment.
According to the governor, the 62 operational vehicles and associated security assets cost the state government ₦27.127 billion and would be strategically deployed to security flashpoints to strengthen ongoing operations against banditry and other criminal activities.
Governor Aliyu said security had remained the top priority of his administration since assuming office, revealing that the state had already invested over ₦36 billion in various security interventions before the latest procurement.
He listed previous interventions to include the procurement of operational vehicles and motorcycles, establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, construction of military and Mobile Police barracks, and support for the operationalisation of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto.
As part of efforts to curb insecurity, the governor announced that his administration had transmitted a bill to the Sokoto State House of Assembly seeking stiffer penalties for individuals who collaborate with bandits by providing intelligence or logistical support.
“The bill is currently before the State House of Assembly, and once it is passed, we will sign it without any delay,” he said.
Governor Aliyu also announced government approval for the establishment of a Command and Control Centre to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and coordinated security responses across the state.
He appealed to the National Security Adviser and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to support the second phase of recruitment of forest guards to improve security within forest corridors.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, the governor assured residents that investments in security would continue, while urging citizens to provide timely and credible information to security agencies.
“Security is a collective responsibility, and together we shall overcome every security challenge confronting our state,” he added.
The commissioning ceremony was attended by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, alongside heads of security agencies and other senior government officials in Sokoto State.
