The Sokoto State Government intends to present a bill to the State House of Assembly, seeking the enactment of a law that would penalize terrorist informants and their collaborators.
The move aims to tackle the growing security challenge posed by banditry in the state.
The state governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu, made this disclosure during a condolence visit to families of banditry victims in Isah and Sabon Birni local government areas.
According to the governor, informants are often worse than the bandits themselves, as without their help, banditry would have been largely contained.
“It’s a betrayal of the highest order,” he said. “These informants are not just aiding bandits; they’re also putting their own communities at risk. We will not tolerate this kind of treachery in Sokoto State.”
The governor emphasized that his administration has adopted new strategies to curb banditry, with a zero-tolerance policy for those aiding criminal gangs.
“We are determined to fish out these dastardly informants and their accomplices by all means,” he declared. “No informant will be spared under this new approach.”
Governor Aliyu urged residents to report individuals suspected of living above their means to the authorities for proper investigation.
He also tasked Islamic clerics to use Friday sermons and daily prayers to enlighten their followers on the dangers of banditry and its collaboration.
While appreciating the efforts of the Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence in the fight against banditry, he also hailed members of the State Community Guard Corps and the Forest Guard for their efforts in guarding their communities.
He expressed appreciation for their dedication and commitment to ensuring the security of lives and property in the state.
In a show of sympathy, the state government handed over ₦130 million and 340 bags of rice to the families of 65 persons who lost their lives in Isah Local Government.
The chairmen of Isah and Sabon Birni local governments thanked the governor for the support and commended his leadership’s determination to protect lives and property.
They expressed appreciation for the governor’s prompt response to the needs of the affected communities and pledged to support the government’s efforts in tackling security challenges.
