Sokoto State Government Boosts Security with N1.76bn Motorcycle Procurement

In a bid to enhance security operations across the state, the Sokoto State Government has given the green light for the procurement of 1,000 Bajaj motorcycles, valued at N1.759 billion. This move is part of the government's concerted efforts to provide security agencies with the necessary tools to combat banditry and other criminal activities. The approval was made during the sixth regular meeting of the Sokoto State Executive Council for 2026, which was chaired by Deputy Governor Idris Muhammad Gobir. According to Abubakar Bawa, the Director-General of Media and Publicity at Government House, the motorcycles will serve as a complement to the 62 armoured vehicles recently acquired by the state government at a cost of N27 billion. The primary objective of this procurement is to improve the mobility of security personnel, particularly in areas where banditry is prevalent and in difficult terrains. Bawa emphasized that the government is committed to equipping security agencies with the necessary logistics to effectively tackle criminal activities. He further stated that the council has stressed the importance of strengthening security operations, quoting 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.' In addition to the motorcycle procurement, the council also approved funds for various education-related projects, including the renovation of Government Technical College, Runjin Sambo, which will receive N723.17 million. Other approved projects include the rehabilitation of A.A. Raji Special School, which will get N498.99 million, the renovation of Phase I of the College of Nursing Sciences, which will receive N489.32 million, and the renovation of male and female hostels at the College of Basic and Remedial Studies, which will get N229.36 million. The council further approved N174.64 million for the renovation of staff quarters and the 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 noted that these approvals demonstrate the government's commitment to improving security while investing in critical infrastructure and human development. 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.