Sokoto Graduates 1,550 Marshals to Strengthen Security Across 23 LGAs

By Fahad Faruk Galadanchi

The Sokoto State Government has graduated 1,550 operatives of the Sokoto State Marshals Agency (SOSMA) as part of efforts to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state.

The passing-out ceremony, held on Thursday, was attended by the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, who served as the Special Guest of Honour. The event also marked the graduation of the agency’s first ever batch of 70 female operatives.

The new Marshals were trained in four key areas: environmental protection, security and intelligence, traffic management, and the protection of public infrastructure. They are expected to complement existing security agencies and will be deployed across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Governor Oyebanji praised the Sokoto State Government for investing in grassroots security, describing the initiative as a demonstration of its commitment to peace, safety and national unity. He also commended Governor Ahmed Aliyu for his leadership and lauded Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko as a respected APC leader.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, promising to equip the Marshals with operational vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics to enhance their effectiveness.

He said the Marshals would work alongside the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps and other security agencies to improve security across the state, while urging them to serve with discipline and integrity.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, commended the government for prioritising security, stressing that maintaining peace is a collective responsibility.

Secretary to the State Government, Bello Sifawa, said the administration was committing substantial resources to security, while the training coordinator, retired Lt.-Gen. Shehu Ya’u, said the graduates had received comprehensive training to tackle various security challenges.

The ceremony was attended by Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly Tukur Bala Bodinga, lawmakers from Sokoto and Ekiti states, and other dignitaries.

The event concluded with the presentation of awards and prizes to outstanding trainees who excelled during the training programme.