The Sokoto State Government has clarified that its recent decision to open dialogue with armed bandits should not be misinterpreted as a sign of weakness.

 

The clarification follows public criticism of the state’s offer to engage with bandits willing to surrender their arms and embrace peace.

 

Speaking on the matter, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security, Colonel Ahmed Usman (Rtd), said the dialogue initiative is one of several strategies aimed at addressing the state’s rising insecurity and protecting civilian lives.

 

“Let it be clear — we are not negotiating because we are weak. We are doing this to prevent more innocent lives from being lost,” Usman said.

 

 

 

He emphasized that the government remains committed to working closely with security agencies to arrest and prosecute criminals, even as it considers dialogue.

 

“Dialogue doesn’t mean we’ve folded our arms. It means we are exploring every option. Force alone hasn’t solved this problem in years,” he added.

 

 

 

Usman noted that the administration is committed to peace by any means necessary, including security operations, victim support, and peace talks.

 

“We owe it to our people to try everything, dialogue, security operations, support for victims, anything that brings peace closer.”

 

 

 

Sokoto, like several other states in Nigeria’s North-West, has faced escalating attacks in recent months, forcing thousands of residents to flee their communities in search of safety.