The Yobe State government said it has been able to substantially reduce crime rate through the introduction of Sharia in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Baba Ba'aba, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the weekend in Bauchi.
Ba'aba said that although the state had a bad reputation for banditry, the implementation of Sharia in the state was gradually reducing such incidents and other social vices to the barest minimum.
He explained that with the implementation of the Islamic code and the evolution of crime control measures, "criminals no longer find safe haven in Yobe."
The SSG said the government had also introduced various measures to curtail criminality, adding that businessmen were being educated on the dangers of carrying cash about, while security agencies were being assisted by the government in their war against criminals.
Ba'aba, who said there was the need for "honest action and collaborative strategies among governments in the North-East and North-Central states of the country" in the fight against banditry, also suggested the immediate introduction of aerial surveillance to assist ground patrol teams.
On his performance as chief scribe and the legacy he would want to leave behind, he said "am trying to lead by example, through my dedication, patriotism and accountability.
"My number one goal is to ensure co-operation between the three arms of government for effective administration of the state," he added.