Sokoto Approves N1.59bn for Security Vehicles, Proposes Special Anti-Banditry Law
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
The Sokoto State Government has approved N1.59 billion for the procurement of 30 Toyota Hilux vans to strengthen the operational capacity of security agencies in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities.
The approval was disclosed on Thursday according to a statement issued by the Governor’s Spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa, following the 8th regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
The vehicles, valued at N1,592,250,000, are in addition to more than 200 Hilux vans and 62 armoured vehicles previously procured and distributed to security agencies across the state.
The Council also approved a bill seeking to establish the Sokoto State Banditry Special Prohibition Law, 2026, aimed at strengthening legal measures against armed banditry and related criminal activities.
In other decisions, the Council approved N776.34 million for the procurement of 10 Mitsubishi Canter vans and N122 million for two additional Toyota Hilux vans.
It also approved N118.14 million for the completion of 30 lock-up shops at the Sokoto State Transport Authority terminal.
On education and infrastructure, the Council approved N844.65 million for the renovation and rehabilitation of dilapidated structures at Government Science Secondary School, Gwadabawa.
It further approved N182.26 million for the renovation of Kebbi and Gwandu hostels at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, while N123.91 million was approved for the renovation of a block of classrooms, construction of a perimeter wall, access roads and other facilities at Ahmadu Bello Academy, Farfaru.
The Council also approved N168.67 million for the renovation of eight housing units at Shehu Shagari College of Education and N132.46 million for the procurement of library equipment for Shehu Shagari University of Education.
Similarly, N550.42 million was approved for the construction of a storey administrative block at Aliyu Magatakarda College of Technology and Advanced Studies.
The Council also approved a bill to repeal the Shehu Shagari College of Education Law, 2026, to enable the institution operate a dual mandate and award both National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree certificates.
In the health and veterinary sector, the Council approved N234.67 million for the construction of a perimeter fence at the Veterinary Specialist Hospital.
