Katsina Governor Urges Citizens to Expose Bandit Informants Amid Rising Insecurity

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has intensified calls for community collaboration in the fight against banditry, urging residents to provide actionable intelligence on individuals aiding criminal elements. This appeal comes amid revelations that a significant portion of bandit activities are facilitated by informants embedded within local communities.

“Our analysis indicates that approximately 70 to 80 percent of those perpetrating insecurity reside among us, not in the forests,” Governor Radda stated. “These individuals supply bandits with critical resources—fuel, drugs, medical supplies—and relay information that enables their operations.”

The governor emphasized the state’s commitment to prosecuting anyone found collaborating with bandits, highlighting the establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (KCWC) as a pivotal initiative in this effort. The KCWC has reportedly been instrumental in the arrest of over 1,000 informants working with criminal gangs.

Governor Radda also reiterated his administration’s policy of supporting victims rather than negotiating with or paying ransoms to bandits. He called on citizens to work closely with authorities, stating, “We will continue our policy of supporting victims rather than paying ransoms to bandits,” while urging residents to provide information that could lead to the arrest or neutralization of bandits.

In addition to security measures, the governor outlined significant investments in agriculture and healthcare aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity. These include the establishment of the Katsina State Agricultural Mechanisation Centre and the construction of fully functional primary healthcare centers across the state’s 361 wards.

Governor Radda’s administration continues to engage traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to identify and eliminate suspicious elements within communities, reinforcing the message that collective vigilance is crucial in restoring peace and security to Katsina State.