By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Dutse
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Katsina State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and curb banditry and kidnapping across the state.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced the approval on Monday while briefing journalists after a meeting with Islamic clerics and other stakeholders at the Government House, Katsina.
He described the development as a major boost to the state’s ongoing campaign against insecurity, noting that the forest guards would work alongside security agencies and community watch groups to secure forests and vulnerable rural communities.
Radda thanked the President for approving the request, saying the recruits would be drawn from able-bodied young men and women and adequately trained to monitor forest corridors frequently used by criminal gangs.
The governor also commended the Federal Government for increasing the deployment of military personnel, police officers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to Katsina.
According to him, the additional security presence has enhanced ongoing efforts to confront banditry and restore peace in affected communities.
Radda said the engagement with Islamic clerics formed part of a broader strategy to mobilise communities against insecurity, stressing that security agencies alone cannot defeat banditry without the support of residents.
He disclosed that investigations had shown that some community members aid criminal groups through intelligence sharing, logistics support and the sale of stolen livestock.
The governor described religious leaders as critical stakeholders in promoting moral values and encouraging citizens to reject criminality within their communities.
As part of efforts to disrupt bandit operations, he said the government had imposed restrictions on motorcycle movements in some frontline local government areas, including Musawa and Matazu, while also regulating the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines and informal charging centres suspected of facilitating criminal activities.
He added that restrictions on the sale of petroleum products were introduced to cut off supplies to bandits operating in forests and remote settlements.
Radda assured residents that the government would continue to implement proactive measures to safeguard lives and property, urging citizens to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information.
He maintained that lasting peace can only be achieved through sustained collaboration among government, security agencies and local communities.
