By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
In further demonstration of the state government commitment to supporting security agencies in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities, the Sokoto State Government has approved a bill for a law to enact the Sokoto State Banditry Special Prohibition Law, 2026.
The state also awarded contracts for the procurement of additional 30 Toyota Hilux vans at the cost of N1,592,250,000.
A statement by Abubakar Bawa, the Director General, Media and Publicity to governor Ahmed Akiyu said the decision was reached at the end of the 8th Regular State Executive Council meeting, presided over by the governor.
“The vehicles are in addition to the over 200 Hilux vans and 62 armoured vehicles earlier procured and distributed to security agencies in the state to strengthen their operations against banditry and other criminal activities.
“Similarly, the Council approved a bill for a law to enact the Sokoto State Banditry Special Prohibition Law, 2026, as part of measures to penalise and checkmate the activities of armed bandits in the state’.
Abubakar Bawa also disclosed that the council also approved the procurement of 10 Mitsubishi Canter vans at the cost of N776,340,000, as well as two Toyota Hilux vans at the cost of N122 million.
It also approved the completion of 30 lock-up shops at the Sokoto State Transport Authority terminal at the cost of N118,137,119.
“Other projects approved by the Council include the renovation and rehabilitation of dilapidated structures at Government Science Secondary School, Gwadabawa, at the cost of N844,654,296.
The Council further approved the renovation of Kebbi and Gwandu hostels at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, at the cost of N182,258,695.
It also approved the renovation of a block of classrooms and the construction of a perimeter wall, access roads and other facilities at Ahmadu Bello Academy, Farfaru, at the cost of N123,910,686.
“Furthermore, the Council approved the renovation of eight housing units at Shehu Shagari College of Education at the cost of N168,670,000 and the purchase of library equipment for Shehu Shagari University of Education at the cost of N132,460,000.
“It also approved the construction of a storey administrative block at Aliyu Magatakarda College of Technology and Advanced Studies at the cost of N550,424,000”.
Bawa further noted that the Council at it’s same 8th sitting also approved a bill to repeal the Shehu Shagari College of Education Law, 2026, to provide for a dual mandate that will enable the institution to concurrently award NCE and degree certificates.
“Also approved by the Council was the construction of a perimeter fence at the Veterinary Specialist Hospital at the cost of N234,674,481”,Bawa stated.
