Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has directed security agencies to treat anyone found to be an informant the same way they treat bandits.
The governor gave the directive in Wurno and Rabah local government areas during his condolence visit to the communities recently affected by bandits’ attacks.
He reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to tackling banditry. He urged the residents of rural communities to report anyone found living above their means to the relevant authorities for proper investigation.
Governor Aliyu expressed dismay over the activities of some unpatriotic citizens who engage as informants 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 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 stated.
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.
Highlighting his administration’s efforts to end banditry, Aliyu listed measures such as providing over 170 patrol vehicles and motorcycles, upward review of allowances for security personnel deployed to volatile areas, and establishing the State’s Community Guard Corps.
He renewed his administration’s readiness to continue supporting the security agencies in the fight against insecurity.
The Governor thanked the state’s people for their continued support and prayers for his administration, urging them to sustain the gesture.
