Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, has directed security agencies in the state to treat anyone found to be an informant in the same manner as they treat armed bandits.

The governor issued the directive during his recent condolence visit to communities affected by bandits’ attacks in Wurno and Rabah local government areas of the state.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling banditry and urged the residents of rural communities to report anyone found living beyond their means to the relevant authorities for proper investigation.
Aliyu expressed dismay over the activities of some unpatriotic citizens who engage in “informants’ syndrome” for peanuts.

He warned such individuals and their accomplices to desist and seek legitimate sources of livelihood, stressing that no informant will be spared under the new strategy being adopted to curb banditry in the state.
“We are determined to fish out these dastardly informants and those aiding banditry from our rural communities by all means.

“We are therefore appealing for the usual support from all well-meaning citizens to restore lasting peace in communities ravaged by insecurity in the state,” he urged.

The governor further called on Imams of both Jumu’at and daily prayer mosques to sensitise their congregations on the Islamic position regarding banditry, informant activities, and other forms of criminality.

Aliyu listed measures such as the provision of over 170 patrol vehicles, motorcycles, upward review of allowances for security personnel deployed to volatile areas, and the establishment of the State’s Community Guard Corps, among others.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuing support for the security agencies in the fight against insecurity.