By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Sokoto State government has inaugurated 2,596 community guards selected from 23 local government areas of the state with the mission to complement federal and other conventional security operatives.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state governor and commandant general of the community guards, Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, expressed dismay over the displacement of thousands of people from their fatherlands to unknown destination, which he described as destruction of peace, unity and a great threat to economy.
The governor therefore called on the guards to justify the huge amount invested on them and assured the society of fulfilling all his campaign promises amongst which are security, education, agriculture and six others.
In his remarks, former governor of the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko said Sokoto is one of the northern states mostly disturbed by bandits and commended the governor for his visionary, perseverance in establishing the guards to complement other security outfits in the state towards tackling insurgency in Sokoto.
Sultan of Sokoto, General Ali Gusau (rtd), governors of Katsina, Kano, Bauchi, Benue, Plateau in their separate remarks commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for the establishment of security guards which they described as a step towards eliminating insecurity in the state.
Earlier, the training commandant, Major General Bindawa (rtd) said he started with 2,600 trainees, but only 2,596 succeeded in passing out.
“They are battle ready, they have anti-ambush training, information and intelligence gathering, not to harass anybody among other skills taught them during the two months extensive training”.
The ceremony that took place at Giginya Memorial Stadium has in attendance members of the national assembly, ministers, former governors, royal fathers, politician, well-wishers among others.