By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
WITH the latest donation of 10 patrol vans and 500 motor bikes to vigilante groups in its efforts to curb banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and sundry crimes across the state, Sokoto state government has so far provided a total of 143 vehicles and 550 bikes to support the course especially in the eastern axis in less than two years.
The latest donation was made on Monday with the presentation of ten brand new Hilux vans and 500 bikes to the vigilante groups in the state.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony to mark the renewed thrust of combating banditry and other sundry crimes in the caliphate , Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal said the gesture was to assist the vigilante groups in conducting surveillance and intelligence gathering that would facilitate the work of security agencies in the state.
” It is intended to boost their capacity and promote active synergy with conventional security agencies for efficient and effective operations against banditry, kidnapping and other sundry crimes across the state.”
Similarly, Tambuwal disclosed that the groups had been provided uniforms and monthly allowances as well as other logistics to enhance the effective discharge of their duty.
The governor, while commending the leadership of the vigilante groups for their sacrifices, commitment and support to the security agencies in the state, also cautioned to on operational conduct, adding ” You conduct should be guided by security agencies in the state at all times”, warning that no form of armed volunteering (‘Yan Sa Kai) would be tolerated by the government.
While urging citizens of the state wishing to join the vigilante groups to come forward for screening, Gov. Tambuwal thanked religious leaders and traditional rulers for their support and cooperation to the security agencies in the state.
In his remarks, the state Commissioner of Police, Kamaluddeen Okunola Kolawale expressed gratitude to the governor for the gesture, noting that it is in line with the notion of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) on community policing.
He also assured that the Police will work hand in hand with the vigilante in the state.
It will be recalled that on June 3, 2020, governor Tambuwal made a donation of 98 vehicles that were distributed to all security agencies in the state.
Accordingly , 26 days afterwards, 50 Boxer (C125) motorcycles were also donated to the 26 Battalion, Nigerian Army, Sokoto by the state government.
Eight months later Gov. Tambuwal gave 15 patrol vehicles out the 25 purchased for similar purpose to the Nigeria Police.
