The Sokoto State Government has responded to concerns raised by personnel of the state Community Guards Corps over operational equipment, ammunition, appointment letters, and welfare. According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), the government recognises the sacrifices of the community guards and their contributions to the fight against banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
Usman stated that the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu had made significant investments in the security sector, including the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, and other logistics to security agencies, including the Community Guards Corps. However, he acknowledged that the operational needs of security agencies were continuous and that identified gaps would be considered and addressed by the appropriate authorities in line with due process and security protocols.
The Special Adviser addressed concerns over ammunition, describing the matter as highly regulated and sensitive, with the supply and management of ammunition handled through established official channels. He advised personnel with concerns about the issue to approach the appropriate authorities through the channels provided for such matters. This, he said, was to ensure that the right protocols were followed.
On appointment letters, Usman said the Community Guards Corps was established by law, and issues concerning the formalisation of personnel’s engagement were administrative matters being handled by the relevant ministries, departments, and agencies. He urged personnel seeking clarification to direct their enquiries to the appropriate authorities. This, he noted, would help to resolve the issues amicably.
The Special Adviser also addressed concerns over the welfare of community guards and the families of personnel who had died in the line of duty. He said the state government had provided support to some affected families and would continue to engage with them. Usman added that the government would continue to do more to support the families, as the guards’ sacrifices had not gone unnoticed.
Usman urged the guards to remain disciplined and use established internal channels when raising grievances or seeking clarification on administrative and operational matters. He added that his office remained open to receiving complaints from personnel and would appropriately channel such issues to the relevant authorities. This, he said, was to ensure that the guards’ concerns were addressed promptly.
The Special Adviser further said the state government would continue to support security agencies operating in Sokoto as part of efforts to address the security challenges confronting the state. He called for greater cooperation among conventional security agencies, community-based security structures, and residents, stressing that security required collective participation.
Key points
- The Sokoto State Government has made significant investments in the security sector, including the provision of operational vehicles, motorcycles, and other logistics to security agencies.
- The government has provided support to some affected families of community guards who had died in the line of duty and would continue to engage with them.
- The Special Adviser urged the guards to remain disciplined and use established internal channels when raising grievances or seeking clarification on administrative and operational matters.
