President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Katsina State as part of renewed efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other security threats across the state.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, disclosed the development on Tuesday while briefing journalists after a strategic meeting with Islamic clerics and key stakeholders at the Government House in Katsina.
The meeting focused on strengthening community participation in addressing the persistent insecurity affecting several parts of the state.
Governor Radda said the engagement was aimed at gathering insights from religious leaders on the root causes of insecurity and exploring lasting solutions beyond conventional military operations.
“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 stated.
He emphasized that security agencies alone cannot end banditry and kidnapping, stressing that communities must actively support efforts to restore peace and stability.
According to the governor, investigations have revealed that some criminal groups receive support from individuals within local communities through intelligence sharing, logistics, and the sale 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 there is a need to sensitise the entire community so that everyone plays their part,” he said.
Radda noted that Islamic clerics were consulted because of their influence in promoting moral values and social responsibility within society.
The governor also highlighted measures already implemented by his administration to disrupt criminal activities, including restrictions on motorcycle operations in vulnerable local government areas such as Musawa and Matazu, as well as controls on Point-of-Sale (POS) services and informal charging points allegedly exploited by criminal elements.
Additionally, he said restrictions on the sale of petroleum products in some affected areas were introduced to limit the operational capabilities of armed groups.
Speaking on the newly approved forest guard initiative, Governor Radda expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and the Federal Government for supporting the state's security agenda.
“I want to appreciate 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,” he said.
According to the governor, the recruits will be properly trained, equipped, and deployed to forests and remote communities that have become targets of criminal attacks.
He 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 State.
“The level of deployment we have seen from the military, police, and DSS is highly encouraging. This is a coordinated effort we deeply appreciate,” Radda added.
The governor called on residents to support security agencies with timely and credible information, reiterating that maintaining peace and security remains a shared responsibility.
“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all citizens to cooperate with authorities and contribute to peace in our communities,” he said.
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Security