INTERVIEW: No Citizen Should Pay Criminals To Live In Peace- Col. Ahmed Usman Rtd.

In this interview with THE WHISTLER, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Col. Ahmed Usman (Rtd.), explains why the Sokoto State Government will not allow bandits to establish parallel authority through the imposition of illegal levies on rural communities.

He also speaks on reports that notorious bandit kingpin Bello Turji has acquired sophisticated weapons, ongoing military operations in eastern Sokoto, the challenge of informants, the resettlement of displaced persons, and allegations of misunderstandings within government.
Excerpts:

There Are Reports That Bandits Impose Illegal Levies On Rural Communities. What Is The Government Doing To Stop This?

Reports of bandits extorting rural communities through illegal levies are deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable. No citizen should be forced to pay criminals in order to live peacefully or pursue legitimate economic activities.

The Sokoto State Government is working closely with security agencies to intensify operations in affected areas, strengthen intelligence gathering, increase patrols, disrupt criminal networks and improve rapid response capabilities.

While operational details cannot always be disclosed for strategic reasons, I can assure residents that these reports are receiving appropriate attention.

Our message remains clear: criminal groups will not be allowed to establish parallel authority anywhere within Sokoto State.

There Are Reports That Notorious Bandit Leader Bello Turji Has Acquired Sophisticated Weapons And Recruited Mercenaries. What Intelligence Does The Sokoto State Government Have Regarding These Claims?

The activities of Bello Turji and similar criminal elements are being taken very seriously by the Sokoto State Government and all relevant security agencies. However, as a matter of operational security, it would be inappropriate to disclose specific intelligence or ongoing operational details in the public domain.

I can assure residents that the state government maintains close collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security institutions to continuously assess emerging threats and respond appropriately.

Whenever credible intelligence indicates that criminal groups are attempting to acquire more sophisticated weapons, recruit fighters or expand their operations, the appropriate security agencies take the necessary countermeasures.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains fully committed to supporting security operations through logistics, intelligence sharing and community engagement to ensure that criminal groups are denied the opportunity to regroup or strengthen their capabilities.

We also urge members of the public to avoid spreading unverified reports that may create unnecessary panic. Instead, citizens should continue to support security agencies by providing timely and credible information through established reporting channels.

The Government Says It Has Strengthened The State’s Security Architecture. What Are The Major Achievements Recorded Over The Past Year?

Over the past year, the Sokoto State Government has made significant investments in strengthening security across the state, and these efforts are already producing encouraging results.

One of the administration’s landmark achievements is the establishment of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps, which complements the work of conventional security agencies by providing community-based intelligence and supporting efforts to protect lives and property.

The government also established the State Security Committee under the leadership of the Deputy Governor, Engr. Idris Mohammed Gobir, to provide a platform for regular security assessments, strategic coordination and timely decision-making.

This administration also reintroduced the Sokoto State Hisbah Agency and strengthened the Sokoto State Marshals to enhance public order and community safety.

In addition, the Federal Government trained, equipped and deployed Forest Guards to vulnerable forest corridors and communities to improve surveillance, gather intelligence and deny criminal elements safe havens.

Beyond these initiatives, the government has continued to provide operational vehicles, motorcycles, communication equipment and other logistics to security agencies to improve mobility and rapid response.

Equally important has been the strengthening of collaboration among the military, police, intelligence agencies, NSCDC and local vigilante groups. Intelligence sharing has improved considerably, while engagement with traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders has strengthened early warning systems.

As a result, many communities previously affected by insecurity have witnessed improved safety, renewed public confidence and the gradual return of normal social and economic activities.

Several Communities In Eastern Sokoto, Particularly Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo And Rabah Local Government Areas, Continue To Experience Security Challenges. What Additional Measures Are Being Taken?

The security situation in eastern Sokoto remains a top priority for Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration. While appreciable progress has been recorded, we recognise that these frontline communities require sustained and targeted interventions.

The government has intensified collaboration with the military, police, DSS, NSCDC and other security agencies to sustain pressure on criminal elements operating in those areas.

We have also increased logistical support while deploying Community Guards Corps personnel and Forest Guards to strengthen surveillance, intelligence gathering and security presence in vulnerable communities and forest corridors.

The State Security Committee continues to review developments regularly and recommend appropriate responses to emerging threats. At the same time, we are deepening collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and community stakeholders to improve intelligence gathering.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu remains fully committed to restoring lasting peace in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goronyo, Rabah and every other part of Sokoto State.

Residents Often Complain About Attacks Occurring Despite The Presence Of Security Personnel. How Do You Respond To Concerns About Gaps In Security Coverage?

The concerns of residents are understandable and should never be dismissed. The presence of security personnel does not automatically eliminate every threat. Security operations are influenced by difficult terrain, the mobility of criminal groups, intelligence availability and the need to protect numerous vulnerable communities with limited resources.

From my experience as a retired Army officer, effective security depends on proactive intelligence, rapid response and strong collaboration between security agencies and local communities.

Criminals often exploit isolated locations and difficult terrain, making it impossible to permanently station security personnel in every settlement.

The government is therefore improving intelligence gathering, strengthening coordination among security agencies and deploying resources based on emerging threats and operational priorities.

Community participation remains indispensable because many attacks have been prevented through credible intelligence provided by residents.

How Is The Government Addressing The Issue Of Informants Who Allegedly Support Criminal Groups?

Informants remain one of the greatest challenges in the fight against banditry. Individuals who provide information, logistics or any other support to criminal groups endanger innocent lives and undermine the sacrifices of our security personnel.

The government is working closely with security agencies to identify, investigate and prosecute anyone found collaborating with criminal elements.

In addition, the state government is introducing legislation prescribing severe penalties for individuals convicted of acting as informants or providing any form of assistance to criminal groups.

We also encourage residents to report suspicious activities through appropriate security channels. Anyone found aiding criminals will face the full weight of the law.

Some Displaced Residents Remain Reluctant To Return Home Because Of Security Concerns. What Assurances Can Government Provide?

Their concerns are understandable. Government will never encourage displaced persons to return until there is reasonable confidence that their communities are safe.

Resettlement will always be safe, voluntary and dignified.

Communities identified for resettlement undergo detailed security assessments involving the military, police and other security agencies. Security presence will be maintained through strategic deployments, increased patrols and rapid response mechanisms.

Government is also rebuilding damaged infrastructure, restoring schools, healthcare facilities and water supply while supporting livelihoods through agricultural assistance, skills acquisition and empowerment programmes.

With support from international partners, the state recently constructed 100 housing units for internally displaced persons in Illela Local Government Area. Another 100 housing units are under construction in Wurno Local Government Area.

Beyond Military Operations, What Socioeconomic Measures Are Being Implemented To Address The Root Causes Of Insecurity?

Lasting security cannot be achieved through military operations alone. Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration is implementing a comprehensive strategy that addresses unemployment, poverty and social exclusion.

The government has prioritised youth empowerment through vocational training, entrepreneurship support, skills acquisition and employment initiatives.

Agriculture also remains a major focus through improved access to farming inputs, irrigation support, improved seedlings and agricultural value-chain development.

Government is equally investing in education, healthcare, infrastructure and targeted social intervention programmes while working closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, community organisations and the private sector to strengthen social cohesion.

Looking Ahead, What Should Residents Expect From Government, And How Confident Are You That Banditry Can Be Significantly Reduced?

Residents should expect an even more coordinated, intelligence-driven and community-focused security strategy.

Government will continue strengthening logistical support for security agencies, improving operational mobility, enhancing intelligence gathering, expanding community engagement and improving rapid response capabilities.

We are optimistic but realistic. Banditry is a complex security challenge that cannot be eliminated overnight. However, through sustained security operations, stronger intelligence, continued government support and active public cooperation, we are confident that it can be significantly reduced.

What Message Does The Government Have For Residents Who Fear A Resurgence Of Large-Scale Attacks?

Our message is one of reassurance, vigilance and resolve.

We urge residents to remain calm, continue their lawful activities and cooperate with security agencies by promptly reporting suspicious movements and activities.

Since Your Appointment As Special Adviser On Security, There Have Been Reports Of Misunderstandings Between Your Office And Some Senior Government Officials Over Administrative Matters. What Has Your Experience Been?

My experience has been productive and fulfilling. Since my appointment, my primary focus has been on supporting Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s vision of ensuring peace and security across the state.

The nature of government work requires constant collaboration and consultation with various officials and institutions, and it is normal for there to be differences in perspectives from time to time.

However, I do not see such differences as personal or unusual. They are part of the process of governance and are resolved through dialogue, mutual respect and our shared commitment to serving the people.