President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to boost security in Katsina, Governor Dikko Radda said on Tuesday.
Radda told reporters this after meeting Islamic clerics and other stakeholders at the Government House, Katsina. The meeting, he said, is part of the state’s push for community-driven solutions and wider stakeholder involvement in fighting banditry and kidnapping.
“The purpose of this meeting is to hear directly from Islamic clerics, understand their perspectives on the current security challenges, and seek their advice on the way forward,” he said.
The governor argued that security agencies cannot do it alone. Investigations, he added, show some residents help criminals with intelligence, logistics and selling 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 sensitise the entire community so that everyone plays his/her part.
“Islamic clerics are critical partners in promoting moral values and mobilising communities against crime,” he opined.
Radda listed measures already in place: banning motorcycles in Musawa and Matazu, restricting POS machines and informal phone-charging points, and limiting petroleum sales in affected areas — all after talks with local leaders.
“I want to thank 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,” the governor said. The recruits will be trained and equipped to guard forests and remote communities.
He also praised increased deployments of military, police and DSS operatives and asked residents to stay alert and help with information. “Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all citizens to cooperate with authorities and contribute to peace in our communities,” he advised.
