The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Sokoto Command, under the leadership of Commandant EA Ajayi, has hosted the Sokoto Advancement Forum, a non-governmental organisation committed to protecting vulnerable members of society, victims of humanitarian crises, and the destitute through security policy development and sensitisation.

Led by Professor Ambassador Ahmed M. Wali, the Forum’s delegation paid a courtesy visit to the NSCDC Command Headquarters on September 16, 2025. The team, which included scholars and security experts, sought to understudy the efforts of security stakeholders and intelligence agencies in tackling the growing security challenges in Sokoto State and Nigeria at large. Their core objective is to develop practical policy recommendations to support government strategies against insecurity.

During a robust and engaging session with Commandant Ajayi and his management team, critical issues of security management were discussed, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality. Commandant Ajayi provided deep insights into the dangers of banditry in rural communities and highlighted proactive measures being employed by the Command. He also underscored the role of non-state actors in today’s security architecture, describing them as both “inevitable” and, in some contexts, a “necessary evil” whose involvement must be carefully managed to enhance intelligence gathering and community resilience.

In addition, the Commandant drew attention to the alarming rise in cases of unnatural offences within the state. Supporting this, DCC U. Haruna, Head of Intelligence and Investigation, reiterated the urgent need for effective mitigation strategies, while DCC IM Katibi stressed addressing the root causes of such crimes as a preventive approach.

The Sokoto Advancement Forum assured the Command of its readiness to collaborate in tackling these issues through innovative and coordinated security strategies. In conclusion, Professor Wali commended Commandant Ajayi’s pragmatic and visionary leadership in repositioning the Sokoto Command for greater success in combating insurgency and other security threats across the state.