The Katsina State Government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at empowering communities to assist security agents in safeguarding their areas from bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals.
This initiative was announced during a Public Engagement event and the launch of the 2025 Citizens’ Budget Participation Process and Community Development Programme in the Katsina zone on Friday.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda highlighted the critical need for community involvement in security matters due to the challenges faced by security forces in responding promptly to emergencies. “We have come up with an initiative to support any community that is ready to take charge of its own security. We will provide the necessary training and resources to help them manage criminal threats until security agents can arrive,” he said.
Radda shared an example from his recent visit to Tsamiyar-jino, a village that takes over two hours to reach by road. “If bandits attack such a remote area, it takes over two hours for security forces to respond. By then, significant harm may have already occurred,” he explained.
The governor acknowledged the insufficiency of security personnel to cover all communities in the state. “Security agents cannot handle this challenge alone, and their numbers are insufficient,” he noted.
Radda expressed frustration over the ongoing attacks, emphasizing that community members must play a proactive role. “We need to change our approach. If communities had 100 youths ready to confront bandits, the criminals would not be able to carry out their attacks without facing resistance.”
Radda criticized the inadequate response to threats and highlighted the role of some locals in aiding criminal activities. “There have been reports of individuals, including village representatives and informants, collaborating with bandits, leading to significant loss of life,” he said.
In response, the government has established a Community Security Watch Corps, recruiting and training local youths from front-line local governments. These security personnel have been equipped with rifles, bulletproof vests, uniforms, and other essential gear. The government has also provided 700 motorcycles, 65 Hilux vehicles, and 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), alongside a significant budget for fueling and maintaining these assets.
“We are investing heavily in security infrastructure, including advanced 5G surveillance technology,” Radda added. “This will enhance our capability to monitor and respond to threats effectively.”
The governor called on residents to actively contribute to the security efforts by providing timely information to authorities. “We must work together to ensure the safety of our communities. The involvement of every citizen is crucial for a secure and safe Katsina State,” he concluded.
