ZAMFARA launches 4000 strong local armed group to combat crime, kidnapping

First set graduates

By Ologeh Joseph Chibu

The Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal has launched a 4000 strong armed vigilante group.

The name of the new outfit is State Community Protection Guards (CPG).

The graduation ceremony for the first batch took place on Wednesday.

The Community Protection Guards (Askarawan Zamfara) graduation held at the Trade Fair Complex in the capital city of Gusau was attended by Governors of North Eastern States.

The Governor’s Spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris in a statement made available to Irohinoodua said Governors from Jigawa, Kebbi, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Sokoto attended the graduation ceremony.

Zamfara State, he said is utilising a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional approach to address security challenges for now and in the future.

He said “Last year, Governor Dauda Lawal approved the engagement of 5,200 guards across 14 local government areas. Today, 2,645 community protection guards graduated in the first batch. “

At the graduation, the Governor Dauda Lawal said
“While we make these efforts, the lofty goals we set out to achieve will remain a mirage as long as the formidable challenge of insecurity remains unaddressed.
He said the situation in Zamfara informed the decision to, among other things, establish the Community Protection Guards, known as Askarawa.

He said the Steering Committee for establishing the Community Protection Guards traversed the 14 Local Government Areas and screened eligible volunteers for enrolment into the outfit.

He said “We believe that the bulk of the challenges we face as a state and region are borne out of severe neglect in advancing public policy to serve the socioeconomic expectations of our people. We will never take for granted the message of the people of our state through their votes in March 2023.

“Today, therefore, the first batch of the Community Protection Guards, 2,645, are graduating. These young, energetic and vibrant personnel have undergone rigorous training, extensive drilling, and an understanding of the rules of engagement, amongst other skills,