Terrorists, bandits must not be allowed to dictate Sokoto’s future – Ex-senator
September 8, 2026 12:56 pm
Former Senator and member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Abdullahi Gobir.
Former Senator and member of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Abdullahi Gobir, has backed the renewed military offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements operating in Sokoto East and other vulnerable parts of Sokoto State.
Gobir said the persistent attacks on rural communities had become a serious threat to lives, agriculture, livelihoods and economic activities in the state.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, he said the renewed operations by the Nigerian Army and other security agencies should be sustained until criminal networks responsible for killings, abductions and displacement were dismantled.
“The people of Sokoto have endured enough. Terrorists and bandits must not be allowed to dictate the future of our communities or hold innocent citizens hostage through fear and violence,” he said.
The former senator commended the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and Community Guards Corps for intensifying operations against criminal groups.
He said the deployment of additional personnel and military equipment to vulnerable areas demonstrated the determination of the authorities to reclaim communities and territories affected by insecurity.
Gobir expressed confidence that sustained military pressure would weaken the operational capacity of the criminals and restore confidence among residents of Sabon Birni, Isa and neighbouring communities.
He, however, stressed that military force alone could not end the security crisis without effective intelligence gathering and community cooperation. “Intelligence is the eyes of every successful security operation, and communities must become the eyes and ears of our security agencies,” he said.
He urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information on suspicious movements, criminal hideouts, planned attacks and other activities that could assist in dismantling terrorist networks.
Gobir also issued a strong warning to individuals who harbour, finance, shield or provide logistical support to terrorists and bandits.
He described alleged informants who disclose the movements and deployment of security personnel to criminals as a serious threat to ongoing operations.
“Such actions are a dangerous betrayal that can cost the lives of brave security personnel and expose entire communities to devastating attacks,” he warned.
The former lawmaker called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community heads, youth groups and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with security agencies and support community-based intelligence gathering.
He said closer cooperation between communities and security forces would make it harder for criminals to infiltrate settlements, recruit accomplices, obtain supplies and escape after attacks.
Gobir also appealed to residents of affected communities to remain calm and vigilant, saying the restoration of peace would enable farmers, traders and other residents to resume their normal activities.
“There can be no meaningful development where people are forced to abandon their farms, markets and homes because of fear,” he said.
He urged residents of Sokoto East and other affected areas to unite behind legitimate security efforts and deny terrorists and bandits the local support they need to operate.
Gobir expressed optimism that sustained military operations, superior intelligence, community support and greater coordination among security agencies would help restore lasting peace and normalcy across Sokoto State.
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