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.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Col. Ahmed Usman (rtd.), said the government recognised the sacrifices of the community guards and their contributions to the fight against banditry and other criminal activities across the state.
Usman, in a statement issued in Sokoto on Wednesday, said 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.
He, however, acknowledged that the operational needs of security agencies were continuous, saying identified gaps would be considered and addressed by the appropriate authorities in line with due process and security protocols.
On concerns over ammunition, the Special Adviser described the matter as highly regulated and sensitive, stressing that the supply and management of ammunition were 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.
On appointment letters, Usman said the Community Guards Corps was established by law, adding that 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.
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.
“As correctly admitted by one of the commanders in the same report, government has been visiting and supporting affected families. We will continue to do more,” Usman said.
The response followed concerns reportedly raised by personnel of the Community Guards Corps regarding their working conditions and welfare as they participate in community-level efforts against criminal activities.
The corps forms part of the state’s broader community-based security architecture, which works alongside conventional security agencies to support efforts to protect residents and prevent criminal activities, particularly in vulnerable communities.
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.
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.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Let us remain united and prayerful,” he said.