Sokoto’s Hisbah: Gov. Aliyu’s Fresh Layer Of Security
By Bala Abubakar
Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State has evolved into one of the standout first-term governors since his election over one year ago. Despite inheriting a troubletrove of challenges, the soft-spoken leader has continued to put the people first with his people-centric policies and initiatives, the most recent of which is the establishment of the Sokoto state Hisbah Command.
For Sokoto, a state rich in history and deep-rooted Islamic traditions, it has long grappled with security challenges, particularly the activities of bandits terrorising rural communities. However, under the leadership of Gov. Aliyu, the state is witnessing groundbreaking approaches to tackling insecurity. This is headlined by the launch of two strategic security initiatives: the Sokoto State Hisbah Command and the Sokoto Community Guard. Through these agencies, the Governor is blending religious values with community-driven efforts to enhance safety across the state. And as can be clearly seen, these initiatives, coupled with significant logistical support to federal security forces, have begun yielding remarkable results.
It is particularly shocking that for a state such as Sokoto, the seat of the caliphate and therefore the preeminent home of Islam in Nigeria, past governors did not deem it fit to establish a Hisbah Command to safeguard the moral values of its citizenry while also ensuring an Islamic upbringing for its children in an increasingly social media-influenced, hitherto conservative arewa. The state is well known for its strong Islamic identity; therefore, Gov. Aliyu’s Hisbah shall play a crucial role in fostering moral and societal order. Beyond its traditional role in promoting ethical behaviour, Governor Aliyu’s vision positions the Hisbah as a key player in combating insecurity.
By tapping into the deep religious sentiments of the Sokoto populace, the Hisbah Command is expected to enhance community collaboration in security matters. In this bottom-up approach, anticipated to bridge gaps in conventional policing, particularly in rural areas where formal security presence is limited, the Hisbah officers, drawn from these same communities, are expected to act as intermediaries between the government and the people, fostering trust and encouraging intelligence gathering and sharing.
Earlier in his tenure, Governor Aliyu launched the Sokoto Community Guard, a proactive measure to empower communities most affected by banditry. In this initiative too, the governor recruited individuals from areas hardest hit by insecurity, equipping them to defend their localities against bandits. The Community Guard’s localised approach stands because recruits have an intimate understanding of their terrain and share in the devastation wreaked by insecurity, and this makes them not just more effective in countering threats but also more motivated to defend their homes and loved ones.
To ensure their operational efficiency, ensuring Sokoto State avoids the curse of establishment without commensurate funding support as obtained in the other states, Governor Aliyu provided the Community Guard with over 40 operational vehicles to enhance their operations, enabling rapid response to threats. Locals report that the provision of mobility has been critical in extending the reach of the community guard operatives to remote areas, ensuring that no community is left vulnerable. Trained by the military, the collaboration of these guards with the Nigerian Army, police, and other security agencies has been a game changer, further amplifying their impact.
Also in keeping faith with his proactive approach to security, Recognising the indispensability of federal security agencies, Governor Aliyu’s administration has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to supporting them by donating over 100 operational vehicles to forces operating in the state, with the Nigerian Army receiving the largest share. This logistical support was meant to significantly boost the mobility and operational capacity of these forces, enhancing their ability to respond to security threats swiftly.
Through this generous donation, Governor Aliyu has demonstrated the state’s readiness to engage in robust collaboration with the federal security agencies. This commitment underscores a shared dedication to restoring peace in Sokoto State and indeed, the Northwest region.
Beyond collaboration, the provision of resources and especially the recommencement of financial support to the troups not only enhances the morale of security personnel but also ensures sustained pressure on criminal elements operating within the region.
It must be said that Governor Aliyu, in restoring financial support to federal troops, broke the dangerous practice endorsed by the immediate past government. With this action, the governor has demonstrated his desire to ensure funds are deployed where they benefit the people more, and nowhere is it more glaring than in security.
These efforts have already begun to bear fruit. Under his leadership, Sokoto State recently hosted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s service chiefs, showcasing the state’s pivotal role in the national fight against insecurity. During their visit, the service chiefs commended Governor Aliyu for his strategic support and innovative initiatives.
One of the most notable successes has been the elimination of Halilu Sububu, a notorious bandit leader who had long terrorised the region. His demise, along with the neutralisation of several other criminal elements, signals a turning point in the battle against banditry. These achievements have restored hope to communities that had suffered years of terror, displacement, and economic losses.
Additionally, reports of reduced bandit attacks and improved security in previously volatile areas highlight the effectiveness of the combined efforts of the Community Guard, federal security agencies, and, as one would expect, the recently established Hisbah Command. Farmers are beginning to return to their lands, and local markets are gradually regaining their vibrancy, a testament to the positive ripple effects of improved security.
Governor Aliyu’s approach to security stands out for its integrative nature. By combining community-driven initiatives like the Sokoto Community Guard with the moral authority of the Hisbah, his administration has created a dual-layered security framework that addresses both the physical and social dimensions of insecurity.
Furthermore, his administration’s substantial investment in logistical support for federal security agencies exemplifies a pragmatic understanding of the security challenges facing Sokoto. While community-led efforts are essential for grassroots impact, the role of well-equipped and professionally trained security forces remains indispensable. Governor Aliyu’s ability to balance these dynamics is a testament to his strategic foresight.
While the early successes are commendable, sustaining and scaling these initiatives will require continuous effort. Challenges such as funding, maintaining the motivation of community guards, and ensuring the Hisbah Command remains focused on its dual mandate of moral guidance and security support must continue to occupy front row in the Governor’s sea of thoughts, for which he has so far demonstrated a commitment to sustain.
Additionally, fostering synergy among the various security actors—Hisbah, Community Guard, and federal forces—requires robust coordination mechanisms. Though Governor Aliyu’s administration has shown glimpses of this commitment to coordination, it still falls to him to ensure that these groups work collaboratively rather than competitively, with clear roles and responsibilities.
Another critical area for attention is community engagement. In his bid to sustain the momentum, another area that Governor Aliyu has demonstrated capacity is the continuous involvement of local leaders, religious authorities, and civil society groups in the design and implementation of security strategies. This inclusive approach has ensured that the initiatives remain responsive to the evolving needs of the communities they serve.
Indeed, Governor Aliyu has emerged as a beacon of hope for Sokoto State, demonstrating that innovative and integrative approaches can make a significant impact in addressing insecurity. The recent establishment of the Sokoto State Hisbah Command as well as previous initiatives like the Sokoto Community Guard by his administration has not only strengthened the state’s security architecture but also restored the confidence of its citizens.
His commitment to not just providing logistical support, culminating in the acquisition and donation of over 100 operational vehicles to federal security forces, but also the recommencement of monthly funding to security agencies, has been simply remarkable. All these, coupled with the remarkable successes already recorded, underscore the governor’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of Sokoto’s residents. As these initiatives gain traction, they have the potential to serve as a model for other states grappling with similar security challenges.
The governor has shown that he understands the needs of the people. His leadership exemplifies the transformative power of vision, collaboration, and determination. By placing the safety of his people at the forefront of his agenda, he is not only rewriting the narrative of insecurity in Sokoto but also paving the way for a more peaceful and prosperous future. It’s no wonder then that the people of Sokoto continued to standby him every step of the way.
Bala writes from Abuja.
