Sokoto Community Guards Accused of Cattle Rustling, Residents Demand Urgent Investigation
By Zagazola Makama
Tensions are rising in Sabon Birni and Isa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Sokoto State following allegations that members of the Sokoto State Community Guard, originally recruited to protect rural communities from bandit attacks, have abandoned their mandate and are now engaged in cattle rustling.
Intelligence Sources, reports from affected communities indicates that the guards, who were expected to safeguard villages from violent criminals, have instead turned their attention to Fulani herders.
Allegations suggest that rather than confronting armed bandits, the guards are forcefully seizing livestock from herders grazing in forested areas. These cattle are then reportedly sold, with the proceeds allegedly deposited into local government accounts.
A source familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “What is happening now is not what we expected when the Sokoto State Government recruited these Community Guards. Instead of fighting bandits, they are going after innocent cattle herders. They claim the cows belong to criminals, but in reality, they are simply confiscating them and selling them off.”
Rising Tensions and Calls for Action
Community leaders warn that these actions could further destabilize the already volatile region. The alleged confiscation of livestock without confrontation or verification is raising concerns that innocent herders may be unfairly targeted. There are fears that such incidents could fuel resentment, worsening insecurity rather than addressing it.
In addition to these concerns, there are growing accusations that high-profile political figures in eastern Sokoto are protecting individuals involved in criminal activities. Residents claim that certain politicians have long been linked to aiding or shielding informants and collaborators of bandit groups. Despite repeated allegations, no formal investigations have been conducted to hold these individuals accountable.
A local elder in Sabon Birni lamented the lack of government intervention, saying: “Even a child in eastern Sokoto knows that some prominent politicians are backing criminals, yet nothing has been done about it. These are the same people who are now allowing the Community Guards to seize livestock without proof that they belong to bandits. If this continues, it will only escalate the crisis.”
Residents and concerned stakeholders are now urging the Sokoto State Government and security agencies to immediately investigate these claims and take appropriate action. They stress that while the fight against banditry is essential, it must be conducted lawfully and fairly to avoid worsening tensions in the region.
There are also demands for an independent probe into how the confiscated livestock is being handled and whether due process is being followed before animals are taken and sold.
A security analyst who has been monitoring developments in the region warned that failure to address these concerns could further erode trust in local security initiatives.
“If community security forces are not properly monitored and held accountable, they could become part of the problem rather than the solution. The Sokoto government must ensure that these guards operate within the law and that any cases of misconduct are thoroughly investigated,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations. However, pressure is mounting for authorities to act swiftly to prevent further deterioration of security in Sabon Birni, Isa, and surrounding areas.
Residents insist that only a transparent and immediate investigation will restore confidence in the state’s security efforts and ensure that community protection measures do not turn into tools for exploitation.
