In a recent development, the Commandant of Zamfara State’s Community Protection Guards, Colonel Rabiu Garba (retd), has been suspended by the state government.
The suspension was officially announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Nakwada, and released to the press on Wednesday.
Providing insight into the suspension, the statement declared, “This is to inform the general public that Zamfara State Government has suspended the appointment of Colonel Rabiu Garba as the Commandant of the state Protection Guards. The suspension takes immediate effect.”
While no specific reason was cited for his suspension, Garba was reported to have recently criticized the state government for inadequately funding the Community Protection Guards during a radio interview.
Speaking on Vision FM Radio Gusau, Garba highlighted the lack of financial support from the state government since the establishment of the Protection Guards in January.
He pointed out that despite being in operation for four months, they had not received the necessary initial support from the government, including delayed salary payments and insufficient operational funding.
Garba emphasized the challenges faced by the Protection Guards due to financial constraints, noting that the inability to fuel patrol vehicles was severely affecting their effectiveness in combating banditry.
Expressing his frustration, Garba expressed dismay over the lack of essential resources for their operations, attributing the non-performance to funding and logistical constraints.
Citing interference from certain individuals within the government, Garba accused them of undermining Governor Dauda Lawal’s anti-banditry efforts for personal gain.
Despite attempts to address the issues and seek support from the governor and influential figures in the state, Garba expressed disappointment at the lack of response and progress.
In a warning, Garba indicated that unless the situation improved, members of the Community Protection Guards might consider resigning to avert a potential crisis.
“If there is no improvement, we are prepared to step down from our roles before the situation escalates,” he concluded.