Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has assured residents that his administration will sustain its fight against banditry until Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return to their ancestral homes.

Aliyu gave the assurance on Thursday while declaring open the eighth regular meeting of the State Executive Council.

He said the state government, in collaboration with conventional security agencies, had intensified the fight against banditry through a more robust strategy that was yielding positive results.

“We are recording tremendous improvement in our fight against banditry in the state, and we will not relent until we make the state safer,” he said.

“Our collaboration with security agencies is indeed yielding tangible results, as bandits are now being engaged more than ever before, while livestock are being recovered in some local government areas.”

The governor cited recent operations in Rabah, Tureta and Kebbe Local Councils, where he said security agencies engaged bandits, rescued people from captivity and recovered thousands of rustled livestock.

He assured residents, particularly those in areas worst affected by banditry that security personnel would continue to pursue the bandits with the support of newly provided armoured vehicles and other equipment.

Aliyu also restated his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support to security agencies to protect lives and property across the state.

He appealed to residents to continue supporting the government’s efforts to restore lasting peace and security in the state.

The governor said his administration would also continue to execute projects with direct impact on residents in line with its nine-point agenda.

According to him, the administration has, over the past three and a half years, implemented projects and programmes in healthcare, education, road infrastructure, water supply, religious affairs and empowerment across the state.

“We are committed to achieving our dream of a New Sokoto that generations yet unborn will be proud of,” he said.

He urged residents to continue to support and pray for the administration as it works towards achieving its objectives.