Personnel of the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps have raised concerns over alleged shortage of operational equipment, particularly ammunition, as well as the absence of official appointment letters since they commenced work in September, 2024
Some of the personnel, who spoke to our correspondent on condition of anonymity, said the situation was affecting their ability to respond to attacks in remote communities
One of the commanders said some personnel had resorted to buying ammunition with their personal money, while support from local government authorities was inconsistent
“This is why we cannot respond to villages that come under attack because we do not have the equipment We have repeatedly written to our superiors to address the problem, but nothing has been done,” he said.
The personnel also complained that they had not received formal offers of employment, despite working under the corps
“It is as if we are not working Our men are being killed while on duty, but there is no entitlement for them because there is still no document showing that they are working under the Sokoto State Government.
“I have lost some personnel in my area, but nothing has been done for them Bandits killed them, yet no government representative came to condole with us,” another commander said.
However, another commander said the situation differed from one local government area to another, noting that two of his personnel who were killed in the line of duty received support from the state and local governments
He said government representatives visited the community to condole with the families, while financial and food assistance was also provided
“But if we had official appointment letters and the benefits attached to them, the support would have been much greater,” he added
The guards also complained about inadequate funds for fuelling vehicles and maintaining their offices
“Regarding the salary we receive, there should be additional funds for fuel and the maintenance of our offices Some local government chairmen provide such funds, while others do not.
“Those who provide them sometimes do not give us the amount the governor directed,” another commander alleged
The personnel appealed to Governor Ahmed Aliyu to intervene in the matter, particularly over the provision of operational equipment, formalisation of their engagement and welfare of personnel
They said resolving the issues would enable them to perform their duties more effectively and respond promptly to attacks in communities across the state
Efforts by our correspondent to obtain the reaction of the State Commander of the corps, retired Col Na-Allah Idris, were unsuccessful as he declined to comment on the complaints.
A senior official of the corps, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, however, confirmed that the complaints had been received
He said even senior officers were yet to receive their official appointment letters
“We have received their complaints, but there is little we can do because the situation has affected all of us,” he said
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Col Ahmed Usman, said the governor had made efforts to provide security personnel with the necessary support to enable them perform their duties.
“He [the governor] has done his best to provide the personnel with everything they need to carry out their duties because the law established the corps
“Also, you should understand that my role is advisory, and Alhamdulillah, I am doing my best,” Usman said