Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has revealed that his administration is preparing a new law aimed at punishing individuals who secretly assist bandits operating in the state.
The governor made this known during a Sallah homage visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, at the Sultan’s palace.
According to a statement released by the Director General of Media and Publicity at the Government House, Abubakar Bawa, the proposed bill will soon be sent to the Sokoto State House of Assembly.
Governor Aliyu said the planned legislation is intended to address the growing problem of informants allegedly helping bandits with information and support.
He stressed that defeating insecurity requires collective effort from both the government and citizens.
“We need to come together and stop the informant syndrome if we are to succeed in defeating bandits,” the governor stated.
Aliyu described informants as even more dangerous than the bandits themselves, insisting that criminal groups often rely heavily on insider information to carry out attacks successfully.
According to him, banditry would struggle to survive without individuals secretly supplying information to criminals.
The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies operating across Sokoto State.
He commended security operatives for their efforts in combating banditry and restoring peace in affected communities.
Governor Aliyu further warned residents against vandalising public infrastructure, reminding citizens that government projects are funded with taxpayers’ money and should be protected.
He additionally cautioned politicians against engaging in actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in the state.
According to him, his administration will not tolerate activities capable of threatening peace and stability.
Meanwhile, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, also appealed to politicians to embrace peaceful politics as preparations for future elections begin.
The Sultan urged political actors to avoid unnecessary tension and conduct their activities without violence or hatred.
He also praised Governor Aliyu for executing people-oriented projects across the state and encouraged residents to continue supporting government programmes.
The visit later ended with the Sultan hosting the governor, former governor Aliyu Wamakko and other top officials to a special Sallah lunch.
The governor’s comments have already sparked conversations online, especially regarding the growing role informants allegedly play in Nigeria’s security crisis.
Source: Statement from Sokoto State Government House Media Office.
