Dan’iya Demands Accountability Over Reported ₦40bn Sokoto Security Spending

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, has challenged Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to account for the reported expenditure of more than ₦40 billion on security between January and August.

Dan’iya said the reported spending, attributed to Deputy Governor Idris Gobir, raised serious questions about financial accountability and the effectiveness of the state government’s security strategy amid persistent killings, kidnappings and displacement in several communities.

In a statement signed by his Media Aide, Aminu Abdullahi, the ADC candidate said residents deserved clear evidence that the reported expenditure had translated into improved security and protection of lives and property.

“The people deserve more than announcements of huge spending; they deserve demonstrable improvements in their safety and freedom to live and work without fear,” he said.

Dan’iya cited security data attributed to the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA), drawing on figures from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) project, which recorded 299 security incidents resulting in 550 fatalities in Sokoto between January 2024 and August 2025, with Sabon Birni Local Government Area accounting for 102 incidents.

He also cited a subsequent ACLED report indicating that more than 900 fatalities were recorded in the state during the 12 months preceding its July 2026 update.

According to him, the figures highlight the persistent violence confronting residents despite repeated assurances by the government.

“If over ₦40 billion was spent in just eight months, what tangible security improvements can the government point to, and how much has it spent since assuming office in May 2023?” Dan’iya asked.

The ADC candidate expressed particular concern over insecurity in Sabon Birni Local Government Area, including Gidan Idi, which he said had suffered reported attacks and kidnappings despite being the deputy governor’s home area.

He maintained that security expenditure should produce measurable outcomes, including effective operations, timely responses to distress calls and safer communities.

“This is not a contest over figures on paper; it is about human lives. Every naira claimed to have been spent on security must translate into protection, effective operations, timely responses and safer communities,” he said.

Dan’iya called on Governor Aliyu and Deputy Governor Gobir to publicly disclose a comprehensive account of security expenditure from May 2023 to date.

He said the disclosure should cover approved budgets, actual disbursements, procurement contracts, equipment supplied, operational support provided to security agencies, community protection measures and independently verifiable results.

He also urged relevant legislative oversight bodies and anti-corruption agencies to examine the expenditure where necessary.

“The people of Sokoto have the right to know the true state of security in their state and how public funds entrusted to their government have been utilised,” he added.

Dan’iya further criticised the APC-led administrations at the state and federal levels, arguing that the continuing violence and displacement in Sokoto demonstrated the need for a different approach to tackling insecurity.

He said an ADC government, if elected, would prioritise intelligence-led policing, stronger collaboration with local communities, effective security operations and rapid responses to distress calls.

He added that such measures would be complemented by interventions to address poverty, unemployment and other conditions that make vulnerable communities susceptible to criminal recruitment.

According to him, socioeconomic programmes would support, rather than replace, professional security operations and the immediate protection of lives.

“Enough of figures without answers and promises without peace. Sokoto people are entitled to a government that can explain its spending and, above all, protect its citizens,” Dan’iya said.

He urged the state government to provide a transparent account of the reported expenditure, insisting that residents deserved both accountability for public funds and tangible improvements in their security.

“Sokoto cannot continue to bleed while those in authority merely announce how much they have spent,” he declared.