The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to peace and security, stating that ongoing engagements with repentant bandits are part of a deliberate and strategic plan to restore lasting stability in communities plagued by years of violence.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, through his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (rtd), emphasized that the administration’s peace-building initiatives are not borne out of fear or weakness, but rather from a firm resolve to end the cycle of bloodshed and displacement across affected local government areas such as Rabah, Goronyo, Isa, Sabon Birni, and others.
“This is not an act of appeasement,” Col. Usman clarified in a statement issued on Friday. “It is a carefully considered, human-centred strategy aimed at genuine reconciliation and the rebuilding of lives and communities torn apart by insecurity.”
The government’s stance comes in response to criticism from social media commentator, Basharu Giyawa, who questioned the legitimacy of negotiating with armed groups.
Col. Usman, however, pointed out the irony in Giyawa’s position, noting that he had previously volunteered to serve as a mediator between the government and the criminal elements he now publicly condemns.
Highlighting the impact of protracted violence, Usman noted that thousands of residents are currently displaced, while farmers have fled their lands, leading to a steep decline in agricultural production. The ripple effects, he said, are evident in escalating food prices, widespread hunger, and a deteriorating local economy.
“Our people continue to suffer the trauma of displacement. Their means of livelihood have been destroyed. This is why the government is pursuing every genuine path to peace — including engaging with those who express sincere willingness to abandon violence,” Usman stated.
He further explained that only individuals who demonstrate a verifiable commitment to peace and agree to undergo a stringent process of rehabilitation and monitoring would be considered for dialogue. The approach, he added, is being executed in tandem with continued security operations, which remain active in volatile areas to maintain law and order.
“This administration is not negotiating from a position of desperation,” Col. Usman stressed. “We are implementing a comprehensive peace framework that combines reconciliation, security enforcement, and community recovery.”
The Governor’s adviser assured the public that while dialogue remains an essential tool in the broader peace strategy, it will not come at the expense of justice or public safety.