Follow Us on Google
From Shafaatu Suleiman, Sokoto
Fresh concerns have emerged over the effectiveness of security operations in Sokoto State as an alleged internal crisis within the state’s security coordination structure threatens ongoing efforts to combat insecurity.
Investigations indicate that the office of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security is enmeshed in a leadership dispute, raising questions about its operational efficiency.
Multiple sources within the system revealed that a lingering conflict between the Special Adviser and the Permanent Secretary has led to a breakdown in coordination within the office. “The Special Adviser is always sidelined in critical decision-making processes
“He is supposed to be fully in charge and advising the governor on security matters, but in reality, he has been reduced to a mere figurehead.”
The source stated that key responsibilities within the office are now being handled by the Permanent Secretary, the Secretary to the State Government, and the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in the state.
Another source within the coordination office said the internal crisis comes at a time when the state government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at tackling insecurity, including financial support and provision of operational equipment to security agencies.
He added that the government also established the Community Guard Corps to complement formal security agencies, particularly at the grassroots level.
“Despite these efforts, members of the Community Guard Corps are facing serious operational challenges”
According to him, the guards received ammunition only once, most of which has been exhausted, with no subsequent resupply.
Other News
He also alleged that many of the vehicles provided to the corps have fallen into disrepair due to poor maintenance, a situation that is hindering effective operations of their duties.
Commanders within the corps confirmed these challenges, stating that repeated complaints to relevant authorities have yielded no meaningful response.
“The state commander is aware of what we are going through. We even approached the Special Adviser, but he told us there was nothing he could do,” one of the personnel said.
“It clearly shows that he has little authority, while others are running the affairs of the office”
Efforts to obtain a response from the Special Adviser, Col Ahmed Abdul Usman (retd) were unsuccessful as he declined to comment on the allegations.
Similarly, attempts to reach the Secretary to the State Government for comment were unsuccessful, as he could not be reached at the time of filing this report.
However, the Permanent Secretary dismissed the claims, stating that he was not aware of any such allegations or internal crisis within the office while the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs denied any involvement, stressing that he is not a member of the state security committee and has no role in the issues being alleged.
The unfolding situation has heightened concerns about the coordination and effectiveness of security strategies in the state, particularly at a time when strong leadership and synergy among stakeholders are considered crucial in addressing insecurity.
Observers warn that unless the internal disputes are urgently resolved and institutional roles clearly defined, the state’s security interventions may continue to face significant setbacks.
