Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Katsina State Governor Umaru Dikko Radda has refuted the claims making the rounds that his administration is engaged in negotiations with leaders of bandit groups operating in parts of the state.
Addressing journalists during the commissioning ceremony of 100 new officers for the Community Watch Corps, a state-backed security initiative designed to support federal security agencies, the Governor addressed recent media narratives.
“The headlines claim that the Katsina State government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality,” Governor Radda stated. “I have consistently maintained that this administration will not negotiate with bandits. However, we remain committed to pursuing peace.”
His remarks follow growing concerns over sightings of notorious and wanted terrorists reportedly seen in meetings with government officials and security agents. These encounters, often described as “dialogue with repentant bandits,” have been reported in several frontline Local Government Areas, raising questions about the state’s stance on engagement with criminal elements.
However, in veiled recognition of the meetings, Radda referred to what he described as “Katsina Model” in tackling the wave of insecurity in the state.
He said that the Katsina Model is a fully community-driven approach, allowing members of affected communities to initiate and negotiate peace pacts with repentant bandits who agree to lay down their arms.
“The role of the state government is to encourage and support the peace process while maintaining law and order in these communities.
“Our focus is to ensure that communities that enjoy peace also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence.”
He highlighted what he described as “success of the community peace accord initiative,” noting that Jibia Local Government Area has enjoyed eight months without a major attack, while Batsari Local Government Area has recorded seven months of uninterrupted peace.
“Other local governments, Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa, have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the initiative,” he said.
Radda added that kinetic measures by federal security agencies remain vital to Katsina’s overall security architecture.
“This ceremony is proof that the state government will not relent in fighting insecurity and banditry wherever they exist.
“Those who wish to return to crime will face the full force of the law”, Radda said.
He lauded the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Police for their collaboration with the state government, noting that synergy with federal agencies has improved intelligence sharing, response times, and coordinated operations.
“The Community Watch Corps was launched over two years ago as part of the administration’s broader strategy to combat insecurity through community participation.
“You are entrusted not only with maintaining security but also with representing the shared goals of a peaceful and prosperous Katsina State. It is essential to uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights at all times.
“When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and the uncertainty was high. We were a new administration with the arduous task of bringing peace and security to many parts of the state.
“The only thing I was certain of was my administration’s determination to bring an end to banditry in Katsina State. I campaigned on it and the trust of the people was not going to be forsaken,” the governor said.