Sokoto State Government has graduated 1,550 operatives of the Sokoto State Marshals Agency, SOSMA, as part of efforts to strengthen security across the state amid growing security challenges.
The marshals passed out on Thursday following the completion of their training programme.
The newly graduated operatives comprise personnel trained in environmental protection, security and intelligence, traffic management, and the protection of public infrastructure.
The latest batch also includes 70 female operatives, the first women to be recruited into the agency.
Speaking at the passing-out parade, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the new marshals would be deployed across the 23 local government areas of the state to complement conventional security agencies and the Sokoto State Community Guards Corps in protecting lives and property.
He pledged to provide the agency with operational vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics to enhance its effectiveness.
The governor urged the marshals to discharge their duties with professionalism and remain good ambassadors of their communities.
Also speaking, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, who attended the event as the Special Guest of Honour, described the training of the marshals as a step towards strengthening peace and security.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, called on residents to support security agencies, stressing that security remains a collective responsibility.
The passing-out ceremony was attended by former Sokoto State Governor and Senator representing Sokoto North, Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, Speaker of the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Tukur Bala Bodinga, members of the National and State Assemblies, and other dignitaries.
Sokoto govt graduates 1,550 security marshals to tackle insecurity
Vanguard Nigeria
Daily Post
Channels TV
Punch Nigeria
Premium TImes
This Day