The Sokoto State Government has issued a stern warning to politicians against deploying vigilantes or taking independent security actions without official approval, describing such behavior as "reckless" and potentially harmful to public safety.
In a statement released on Thursday, Colonel Ahmed Usman, Special Adviser on Security Matters to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, expressed concern over a recent incident where an unnamed senator allegedly attempted to bring members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) from Borno State into Sokoto without proper authorization.
"While we recognise that the fight against insecurity requires collective effort, any form of self-help undertaken without the knowledge or consent of the government poses a greater threat to peace and order," Colonel Usman stated.
The security adviser emphasized that the government welcomes genuine contributions to enhancing peace and security in the state but insisted that such efforts must follow approved procedures and align with the state's official security framework.
"Security is far too sensitive to be politicised or used for cheap political advantage. No individual has the legal authority to recruit vigilantes or deploy armed groups under any guise without express government approval," he added.
Colonel Usman warned that such unauthorized actions not only violate existing laws but also directly challenge the authority of the state government, which could lead to serious consequences.
The statement reaffirmed the Sokoto State Government's commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state and urged all stakeholders to work through proper, legal channels when contributing to security efforts.
"Any future breach of security protocols will result in serious consequences," Colonel Usman warned, calling for cooperation, restraint, and strict adherence to the law in all security-related matters.
The government's warning comes amid growing security challenges in northern Nigeria, where various states have adopted different approaches to complement federal security efforts, including the establishment of community vigilante groups.