The Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, on Thursday signed into law the bill establishing the Sokoto Community Guard Corps.
On December 21, the state House of Assembly granted approval to the governor’s proposal for the establishment of a community guards corps in the state.
While formalizing the bill into law at the Government House, the governor explained that the initiative was conceived to complement the security efforts of the administration led by President Bola Tinubu.
He emphasized that the intention behind the outfit was not to compete with the police.
Aliyu said, “The signing into law of this Sokoto Community Guard Corps is a very important milestone in the lives of this administration.
“As we are all aware, Sokoto State is facing insecurity, especially banditry, thereby destabilising the peaceful nature the state is known for.”
“Indeed, we pledge to do everything humanly possible to maintain peace and security in the state. The creation of this security guard corps is geared towards supplementing the efforts of conventional security outfits to protect the lives and property of the people, especially at the grassroots.”
“Let me say here clearly that the community guard corps is not Sokoto police; it is not a force created by the Sokoto State government.”
He urged security agencies to back the community guard corps, emphasizing that their role is to contribute to the efforts aimed at ensuring a secure state.
The governor added, “Security agencies, please you should know that they are not your rivals; they are there to assist you, to give you all necessary support and information from their localities.
“Let me, at this junction, reiterate our administration’s commitment in the area of security to ensure the protection of lives and property of the people of the state.”