Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has called for stronger collaboration between the Federal and state governments to tackle banditry and other forms of criminality threatening communities across the country.

Aliyu made the call in his Independence Day message to the people of Sokoto State on Thursday, as Nigeria marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The governor commended the Federal Government for its support in the fight against banditry in Sokoto, saying sustained cooperation between both levels of government was necessary to restore lasting peace.

He said the state government had maintained strong coordination with federal security agencies as part of efforts to protect lives and property.

“There is a strong synergy between the Sokoto State Government and the Federal Government in our collective commitment towards protecting the lives and property of our people,” Aliyu said.

The governor said his administration had provided logistics and equipment to support conventional security agencies operating in the state.

According to him, the government had procured more than 200 patrol vehicles, two emirate bulletproof vehicles, 100 Buffalo armoured personnel carriers, 200 motorcycles, 3,200 security hardware, 2,000 bulletproof vests and 200 night-vision goggles since he assumed office.

Aliyu added that the state had provided 100 thermal-vision scopes and other security equipment, facilitated the full operationalisation of the Nigerian Air Force Base in Sokoto and upgraded the Department of State Services tracker from 4G to 5G technology.

He also cited the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps, supported with 40 Hilux vans and 700 motorcycles, as part of measures to strengthen community-level security.

Other interventions, he said, included facilitating the establishment of a military barracks in Illela and a Police Mobile Barracks at Tara Village in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

Aliyu expressed optimism that continued cooperation between the Federal Government, state authorities and security agencies would help bring banditry under control.

He urged residents to support security efforts by providing relevant information and cooperating with authorities to identify threats within their communities.

The governor reassured residents of his administration’s commitment to restoring peace and protecting communities, while urging them to remain united in confronting insecurity.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 66 years of independence, Aliyu said the country had experienced challenges as well as significant achievements, urging citizens to draw inspiration from the patriotism and sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers.

He called for renewed commitment and collective efforts towards national development and wished Nigerians a peaceful 66th Independence Anniversary.