President Tinubu Approves Recruitment of 1,000 Forest Guards as Katsina Intensifies Fight Against Insecurity — Gov. Radda
From Mu’awiyya Bala Idris Katsina
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations and combat banditry across Katsina State.
The Governor made the disclosure while briefing journalists after a strategic meeting with Islamic clerics and other critical stakeholders at the Government House in Katsina. He explained that the engagement formed part of the state government’s broader strategy to address insecurity through community participation and moral reorientation.
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Governor Radda said the meeting was convened to obtain the perspectives and recommendations of Islamic scholars on the persistent security challenges confronting the state and to develop sustainable, community-driven solutions.
“The purpose of this meeting was to hear directly from Islamic clerics, understand their perspectives on the current security challenges, and seek their advice on the way forward,” the Governor said.
He emphasized that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military operations alone, stressing that the active involvement of citizens and local communities is essential in the fight against banditry and kidnapping.
According to the Governor, investigations have revealed that criminal groups often receive support from individuals within local communities through intelligence sharing, logistics, and the illegal trade of stolen livestock.
“Most of their supply chains, information networks, and even the sale of stolen animals involve people living among us. This is why everyone must play a role in ending these criminal activities,” he stated.
Governor Radda described Islamic clerics as indispensable partners in promoting moral values and guiding communities toward peace and responsible citizenship.
As part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal operations, the Governor highlighted several security measures already implemented by his administration, including the ban on motorcycle operations in some frontline local government areas such as Musawa and Matazu, restrictions on Point-of-Sale (POS) services and informal charging points, as well as tighter controls on the sale of petroleum products across the state.
He explained that the measures were introduced after extensive consultations with community leaders and security stakeholders to cut off the logistics that sustain criminal activities.
Governor Radda further revealed that President Tinubu’s approval for the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards marks a significant boost to security efforts in the state. He said the guards would be adequately trained, equipped, and deployed to safeguard forested and remote communities that have remained vulnerable to attacks.
The Governor also commended the Federal Government for its continued support, particularly the increased deployment of personnel from the Nigerian Armed Forces, the Police, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
“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 said.
Governor Radda called on residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies by providing credible information and cooperating with government initiatives.
He reaffirmed that security is a collective responsibility and expressed confidence that stronger collaboration between government, security agencies, religious leaders, and citizens would restore lasting peace across Katsina State.
