The Sokoto State Government has given the state’s recently formed Community Guard Corps 20 Hilux vans and 710 motorcycles as part of its efforts to combat banditry and other security issues.

At the corps’ state headquarters on Thursday, the commanders of the 13 local government districts most impacted by banditry received the cars and motorbikes from Col. Abdul Usman (Rtd.), Special Advisor to the Governor on Security Matters.

Almustafa Sayudi, Col., the Director of the Administration Department of Security Matters, is in charge.

According to Usman, the vehicles were given to the corps to let them reach even the most isolated areas of their villages.

These cars and motorbikes are only for official use; they are not for private use. Col. Usman pleaded, “Remember that the government paid a large sum of money to buy them; therefore, make sure they are used properly and are regularly maintained.”

He restated the administration’s pledge to always ensure the security of the state.

“You are expected to support conventional security agencies in safeguarding our rural districts,” he said, reminding the Sokoto State Community Guard Corps of its complementing responsibility.

Col. Usman also urged rural populations to assist the corps in doing their duty conscientiously, particularly in the 13 most impacted local government areas.

During the event, Ibrahim Dadi Adare, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, also spoke and disclosed that specific funds had been allocated for the appropriate upkeep of the cars.

Col. Musa Na Allah Idris (Rtd.), the State Commander of the Corps, gave the state government assurances in his speech that the cars would be well maintained.

He urged everyone in the community to assist the corps personnel in their quest to rid the state of banditry, expressing confidence that they would do their utmost with the training they had received.