…President Tinubu Approves Recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards
The Katsina State Government has stepped up its response to rising insecurity with new restrictions targeting suspected support networks for banditry and kidnapping, including a ban on point-of-sale (PoS) operations and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed this while briefing journalists after a meeting with Islamic clerics and other stakeholders at the Government House, Katsina. He said the engagement was part of wider efforts to develop community-based solutions to insecurity in the state.
“The purpose of this meeting was to hear directly from Islamic clerics, to understand their perspectives on the current security challenges, and to seek their advice on the way forward,” the Governor said.
He explained that the government cannot address insecurity alone, stressing the need for stronger community involvement in tackling banditry and kidnapping.
“This problem cannot be solved only through the efforts of security agencies. Individuals and communities have very important roles to play in curbing banditry and kidnapping,” he added.
According to him, investigations have shown that some criminal activities are enabled by individuals within local communities who provide logistics, information, and access to resources such as stolen livestock.
“Most of their supply chains, information networks, and even the sale of stolen animals involve people living among us. This is why there is a need to sensitize the entire community so that everyone plays their part,” he stated.
Governor Radda described Islamic clerics as important partners in promoting moral values and strengthening social responsibility in communities.
“Clerics play a vital role in guiding the moral values of society. We presented the challenges to them and sought their counsel as we work toward lasting solutions,” he said.
He also outlined recent security-related measures already implemented by the state government, including restrictions on motorcycles in Matazu and Musawa, as well as the shutdown of PoS outlets and informal phone charging centres believed to support criminal operations.
“We have taken decisive steps, including banning the use of motorcycles in some affected local government areas such as Musawa and Matazu, as well as restricting the use of POS machines and informal charging points that facilitate criminal activities,” he explained.
In addition, the Governor confirmed that the sale and movement of petroleum products in jerrycans have been restricted across the state to limit armed groups’ access to fuel.
“These measures were introduced after consultations with community leaders from affected areas, and we will continue to engage all stakeholders to ensure peace and stability,” he said.
Radda also announced the federal government’s approval to recruit 1,000 forest guards to support security operations in Katsina’s forested, hard-to-reach areas.
“I want to appreciate Mr. President for approving our request to recruit 1,000 young, able-bodied men and women as forest guards. They will work alongside conventional security agencies and community watch groups,” he stated.
He added that the recruits would be properly equipped and deployed to strengthen surveillance and protection in vulnerable communities.
Governor Radda commended the Federal Government for increased security deployment to the state, describing the support from the military, police, and Department of State Services as significant.
“The level of deployment we have seen from the military, police, and DSS is highly encouraging. This is a coordinated effort we deeply appreciate,” he noted.
He urged residents to support ongoing security operations by staying alert and cooperating with authorities.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all citizens to cooperate with authorities and contribute to peace in our communities,” he said.
One comment
Joefortuneaustralia Online
June 17, 2026 at 1:13 am
Interesting move banning those PoS and charging centres. I wonder how it’ll affect local businesses.