Musa Na Allah
Border towns in Illela Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State and Konni in Niger Republic are cooperating to forestall banditry and other criminal activities within their communities.
Recently, the security network in the area arrested seven persons suspected to be informants to bandits and handed them over to the security agents.
The Chairman, Illela LGA, Engineer Aliyu Salihu stated this in Sokoto.
He said the decision to form the security network became necessary in view of the increasing number of bandit attacks and other wanton criminal activities along the two neighbouring communities.
He noted that economy of the area is in the verge of collapse as a result of banditry and kidnapping for ransom.
He stated that Illela people were enjoying cordial working relationships with their neighbouring Niger Republic communities, especially in monitoring and intelligence sharing aimed at improving security challenges.
“He said for time immemorial, Illela and Konni towns share common goals despite living in different republics.
He expressed appreciation with the efforts put in place by security agencies towards fighting banditry, rustling, kidnapping for ransom and other related crimes in the Illela border towns.
“The council would not relent in its effort to work hand in hand and continue assisting security personnel in their quest to end banditry.
“We have embarked on recruiting vigilante as voluntary security personnel; already screening has commenced by the traditional rulers in collaboration with security organizations in the area.
“When recruited, they would be empowered to work diligently and maintain synergy with all sister security organizations in fighting crimes in the area,” he added.
