The Sokoto State Government has cautioned opposition political parties and their candidates against politicising insecurity, saying the fight against banditry and other criminal activities requires collective action rather than partisan blame.

The government said political differences should not be allowed to undermine efforts to protect lives and property, particularly as security concerns persist in parts of the state.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), gave the warning on Thursday while responding to concerns raised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, over reported threats against residents of the state..

Usman said the government and security agencies were taking the reported threat seriously and had commenced efforts to assess the situation and prevent any possible attack.

“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 appealed to residents of Kebbe and other vulnerable communities to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security authorities.

The statement comes amid renewed security concerns in parts of Sokoto State, particularly Kebbe, where communities have reportedly experienced attacks, displacement and threats to their livelihoods by suspected criminal elements.

The governor’s aide said the security challenges confronting the state did not begin under the present administration, arguing that insecurity had become entrenched in some areas before Governor Ahmed Aliyu assumed office.

He also pointed to Dan’iya’s experience as deputy governor in the previous administration, saying this should give him sufficient insight to assess the current government’s approach to security.

“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,” Usman said.

According to him, the Aliyu administration has increased financial and logistical support for security agencies operating across the state.

He said the government restored the monthly allowances of security personnel which, according to him, had been discontinued by the previous administration, and subsequently reviewed and increased the allowances.

The adviser further said the state government had supplied Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles, patrol vehicles and other security equipment to enhance 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.

Despite these interventions, Usman acknowledged that government alone could not completely resolve the state’s security problems.

He called for stronger cooperation among security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders and residents, stressing that local intelligence remained crucial to preventing attacks.

“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.

Usman warned that turning insecurity into a political campaign issue could weaken collective efforts to protect vulnerable communities.
He noted that criminal elements do not discriminate based on political affiliation when attacking communities.

“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.

The security adviser urged political parties and candidates who receive information about emerging threats to forward such intelligence to the relevant security agencies instead of engaging in public 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.

He assured residents that the state government would continue to support security agencies, strengthen intelligence gathering and deepen collaboration with communities as part of efforts 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,” Usman said.

He added that the security situation should serve as a rallying point for stakeholders across political divides.

“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,” he said.