Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Thursday, endorsed into law the bill establishing the Sokoto Community Guard Corps. 

The state House of Assembly granted approval to the governor’s proposal on December 21, 2022, to establish this community guard corps in Sokoto.

During the bill signing ceremony at the Government House, Governor Aliyu clarified that the initiative was not intended to compete with the police but rather to support the security efforts of the administration led by President Bola Tinubu, particularly in ensuring the safety of the populace.

Governor Aliyu emphasized the significance of this development in the context of Sokoto State’s current security challenges, notably the prevalence of banditry, which has disrupted the state’s traditionally peaceful environment. H

He affirmed the commitment of his administration to take all necessary measures to maintain peace and security in the state.

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 said.

The governor also clarified that this new security unit is not a substitute for the Sokoto police and should not be construed as a force created by the state government.

Addressing security agencies, Governor Aliyu urged them to extend their support to the community guard corps, emphasizing that these local units are not rivals but are present to assist by offering crucial support and information from their respective communities. 

“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.”

 “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,” he furthered.