The Sokoto State Government has assured personnel of the Community Guards Corps that their concerns over operational equipment, ammunition, appointment letters, and welfare are being addressed. This assurance was given by the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col Ahmed Usman, in a statement on Wednesday. He commended the guards for their sacrifices and commitment to supporting the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
Col Usman stated that the state government had invested significantly in security by providing vehicles, motorcycles, and other logistics to security agencies, including the Community Guards Corps. However, he acknowledged that security operations required continuous provision of equipment and logistics. He assured that identified gaps would be subject to consideration and action by the appropriate authorities in accordance with due process and security protocols.
The Special Adviser addressed concerns over ammunition, describing the issue as highly regulated and sensitive. He explained that the procurement, allocation, and management of ammunition were handled through established official channels. Usman advised personnel with concerns to approach the appropriate authorities. He also addressed concerns over appointment letters, stating that the Community Guards Corps was established by law, while the formalization of personnel's engagement remained an administrative process.
Col Usman urged personnel seeking clarification on their status to approach the appropriate authorities. He also spoke on the welfare of serving personnel and families of guards who had died in the line of duty. According to him, the state government had provided assistance to some affected families and continued to engage with them. He added that the government would continue to do more to support the families.
The statement came amid growing concerns among community-based security personnel over their operational conditions as they complement conventional security agencies in combating banditry and other criminal activities across Sokoto State. The Special Adviser urged members of the corps to remain disciplined and channel grievances through established internal mechanisms rather than allowing concerns to disrupt their operations.
Col Usman added that his office remained available to receive complaints from personnel and ensure that such matters were directed to the appropriate authorities for consideration. He stressed that the state government would continue to support security agencies operating in Sokoto as part of its efforts to tackle the state's security challenges. He also called for closer cooperation among security agencies, community-based security structures, and residents.
The Special Adviser emphasized that effective security required collective participation, stating that "security is a collective responsibility." He urged everyone to remain united and prayerful. The Sokoto State Government's efforts to address the concerns of community guards are seen as a step towards enhancing security in the state and improving the welfare of those serving in the Community Guards Corps.
Key points
- The Sokoto State Government has assured community guards that their concerns over equipment, welfare, and appointment letters are being addressed.
- The state government has invested significantly in security, providing vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics to security agencies, including the Community Guards Corps.
- The government has provided assistance to families of guards who died in the line of duty and will continue to do more to support them.
