Sokoto spends N1.76bn on motorcycles to strengthen anti-banditry operations

The Sokoto State Government has approved N1.759 billion for the procurement of 1,000 Bajaj motorcycles for distribution to security agencies to strengthen the fight against banditry and improve security operations across the state.

The approval was one of the resolutions reached at the sixth regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council for 2026, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Idris Muhammad Gobir.

According to a statement issued by the Director-General, Media and Publicity, Government House, Abubakar Bawa, on Thursday, the motorcycles would complement the 62 armoured vehicles recently procured by the state government at a cost of N27 billion and distributed to security agencies.

The government said the motorcycles were intended to improve the mobility of security personnel, particularly in difficult terrains and communities affected by banditry.

Bawa said the procurement formed part of the state government’s efforts to provide security agencies with the logistics required to effectively tackle criminal activities.

He quoted the council as saying: “The procurement of the 1,000 motorcycles is aimed at complementing the recently procured armoured vehicles and enhancing the operational capacity of security agencies across the state.”

The council also approved N723.17 million for the renovation of Government Technical College, Runjin Sambo.

Other education-related projects approved included N498.99 million for the rehabilitation of A.A. Raji Special School, N489.32 million for the renovation of Phase I of the College of Nursing Sciences, and N229.36 million for the renovation of male and female hostels at the College of Basic and Remedial Studies.

The council further approved N174.64 million for the renovation of staff quarters and upgrading of the perimeter fence at the College of Agriculture and Animal Science, Wurno.

For healthcare infrastructure, N133.67 million was approved for the construction of a perimeter fence at Wamakko Primary Health Centre.

The council also approved N93.88 million for the procurement of vocational learning equipment for 46 women’s vocational centres across the 23 local government areas.

Similarly, N90.21 million was approved for the purchase of PVC pipes and plumbing fittings for the maintenance of 142 semi-urban water supply schemes across the state.

Bawa said the approvals reflected the state government’s determination to improve security while investing in critical infrastructure and human development.

He added that the sixth regular executive council meeting, which lasted about two hours, reviewed issues considered important to the security and socio-economic development of the state.

“The government remains committed to implementing projects and programmes that will directly impact the lives of the people and contribute to the overall development of Sokoto State,” Bawa said.