President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to support efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping in Katsina State.
Governor Dikko Radda disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking to journalists after a meeting with Islamic clerics and other stakeholders at the Government House in Katsina.
According to the governor, the meeting was part of efforts to explore community-based solutions to insecurity and seek the advice of religious leaders on achieving lasting peace.
“The purpose of this meeting was to hear directly from Islamic clerics, understand their views on the current security situation, and seek their guidance on the way forward,” Radda said.
He stressed that the fight against banditry could not be left to security agencies alone, noting that communities and individuals also have important roles to play.
The governor revealed that investigations had shown that some residents aid criminal groups by providing information and helping them dispose of stolen livestock.
“Most of their supply chains, intelligence networks, and even the sale of stolen animals involve people living among us. That is why there is a need to sensitise communities and ensure everyone contributes to ending this menace,” he said.
Radda noted that the state had introduced several measures aimed at disrupting the activities of armed groups. These include restrictions on motorcycle use in local government areas such as Musawa and Matazu, as well as controls on Point of Sale (POS) operations and informal charging points believed to facilitate criminal activities.
He added that the sale of petroleum products had also been restricted in some areas to weaken the operational capabilities of bandits.
“These measures were introduced after consultations with community leaders from affected areas, and we will continue to engage stakeholders to ensure peace and stability,” he said.
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Speaking on the newly approved forest guards, the governor expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for supporting the state’s security initiatives.
“I want to appreciate Mr President for approving our request to recruit 1,000 young and able-bodied men and women as forest guards. They will work alongside conventional security agencies and community watch groups,” Radda said.
He explained that the recruits would be properly equipped to protect communities located in forests and remote areas.
The governor also commended the Federal Government for increasing the presence of military personnel, police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services in the state.
“The level of deployment we have seen from the military, police and DSS is highly encouraging. This is a coordinated effort that we deeply appreciate,” he stated.
Radda urged residents to cooperate with security agencies, stressing that maintaining peace and security remains a collective responsibility.
