Sokoto APC senatorial candidate, Ajiya calls for offensive against bandits

The All Progressives Congress, APC, senatorial candidate for Sokoto East, Umaru Ajiya, has called for a more proactive approach to tackling insecurity, urging security agencies to take the fight to bandits’ hideouts.

Ajiya made the call in Sokoto on the sidelines of the combined convocation ceremony of Sokoto State University, where he was conferred with an honorary degree.

He said Nigeria must shift from what he described as a reactive approach to a proactive strategy in addressing insecurity through improved collaboration among security agencies.

According to him, sustained military operations against bandits are necessary to restore peace, particularly in Sokoto State, which he described as one of the areas most affected by banditry.

Ajiya said persistent attacks by bandits had claimed many lives, displaced residents and increased the number of internally displaced persons in affected communities.

He also advocated the establishment of state police, arguing that it would complement existing security agencies because personnel familiar with local terrain would be better positioned to respond to security threats.

The APC senatorial candidate said, if elected, he would prioritise security, youth empowerment, infrastructure development and other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of his constituents.

He added that he would focus on legislative representation that promotes equitable resource allocation and effective oversight to address the developmental needs of the Sokoto East Senatorial District.