The Sokoto State Government (SOSG), through the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Retired Colonel Abdul Usman, has recently handed over 20 Hilux vans and 710 motorcycles to the newly established Community Guard Corps. This initiative aims to enhance their effectiveness in combating insecurity, particularly in rural areas affected by banditry.
At the handover ceremony, held at the corps headquarter in Sokoto, the Special Adviser, represented by Almustafa Sayudi, Director of the Department of Security Matters, announced that the vehicles and motorcycles would be allocated to Commanders in the 13 local government areas most affected by banditry. Sayudi stressed that the equipments are strictly for official use and urged personnel to ensure its proper maintenance and responsible utilization.
“These vehicles and motorcycles are provided exclusively for official duties, to help you reach every corner of the communities and enhance security. The government has invested significantly in this initiative, so it is your responsibility to use and maintain them effectively,” Sayudi stated.
He reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to improving security and encouraged the Community Guard Corps to work closely with conventional security agencies to protect rural residents.
Hon Ibrahim Dadi Adare, Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, represented by Bello Musa, Director of Local Government Matters, assured that funds are allocated for maintaining the vehicles and affirmed the local government’s support for the corps effective operation.
Retired Colonel Musa Na Allah Idris, Commander of the Community Guard Corps, expressed gratitude for the state government’s support and pledged to ensure proper maintenance of the vehicles and motorcycles. He also expressed confidence that the training provided to corps personnel would substantially reduce banditry in the state.
This initiative follows the North-West Governor’s Forum’s resolution to establish state-level Community Watch Corps to tackle banditry across the region. With Sokoto State joining Katsina and Zamfara in this effort, there is strong optimism that the program will significantly contribute to reducing insecurity in the North-West.
5-09-2024
