Sokoto addresses community guards’ equipment, welfare concerns - Punch Newspapers
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu.
The Sokoto State Government has assured personnel of the Community Guards Corps that their concerns over operational equipment, ammunition, appointment letters and welfare are receiving attention. The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, Col Ahmed Usman (retd.), gave the assurance in a statement on Wednesday while responding to concerns reportedly raised by personnel of the corps. Usman commended the guards for their sacrifices and commitment to supporting the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state, saying their contributions were recognised as part of the government’s broader security efforts. On the demand for more operational equipment, the Special Adviser said the state government had invested significantly in security by providing vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics to security agencies, including the Community Guards Corps. He, however, acknowledged that security operations required continuous provision of equipment and logistics. “Operational needs of security agencies are continuous, and identified gaps are subject to consideration and action by the appropriate authorities in accordance with due process and security protocols,” he said.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google Usman also 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, advising personnel with concerns to approach the appropriate authorities. On appointment letters, the Special Adviser said the Community Guards Corps was established by law, while the formalisation of personnel’s engagement remained an administrative process being handled by relevant ministries, departments and agencies. He urged personnel seeking clarification on their status to approach the appropriate authorities. Every Nigerian should be able to undergo military training – Defence minister Police kill bandit, rescue seven, arrest 17 suspects in 10 states Troops repel terrorists, recover rustled cattle in Sokoto Usman 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. “As correctly admitted by one of the commanders in the same report, the government has been visiting and supporting affected families. We will continue to do more,” he said. 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. He added that his office remained available to receive complaints from personnel and ensure that such matters were directed to the appropriate authorities for consideration. Usman said 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, stressing that effective security required collective participation. “Security is a collective responsibility. Let us remain united and prayerful,” he said. Animashaun Salman
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