Katsina govt will not negotiate with bandits – Radda

Governor Dikko Umar Radda of Katsina State has stated that his administration will not engage in negotiations with bandits operating in parts of the state but remains open to peace initiatives led by local communities.

The Governor disclosed this on Wednesday when he commissioned 100 newly trained officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), expanding the security outfit’s presence to 20 of the state’s 34 local government areas.

Speaking during the passing-out ceremony of the third batch of C-Watch officers in Katsina, Radda highlighted his administration’s sustained efforts to restore lasting peace across the state.

According to him, “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 newly graduated officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas of the State, with 50 officers assigned to each. Dutsin-Ma, which borders Safana, Danmusa, and Matazu, remains one of the epicentres of banditry in the state.

“The headlines say the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality. I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome peace,” Governor Radda declared.

He explained 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 said.

Radda further highlighted the success of the community peace accord initiative, noting that “Jibia has enjoyed eight months without a major attack, while Batsari has recorded seven months of uninterrupted peace. Other local government areas, Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa, have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the initiative”.

He reaffirmed 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,” he warned.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Police for their strong collaboration with the state government, noting that synergy with federal agencies has improved intelligence sharing, response times, and coordinated operations.

“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,” he charged the new officers.

The Community Watch Corps was launched over two years ago as part of the administration’s broader strategy to combat insecurity through community participation.

Read also: FG welcomes $2bn Shell new offshore final investment decision

Earlier in his remarks, Nasir Mu’azu, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, said, “No doubt, Governor Radda saw, he analysed, and he conquered using a homegrown initiative of community approach where young abled men from their various communities were selected, screened, trained, and deployed to serve as the first line of defense to their mothers, fathers, wives, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends.”

The event marks the third phase of the C-Watch training after the first in October 2023 and the second in November 2024.

Also speaking, Major General Junaidu Bindawa (Rtd), Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, said the recruits underwent intensive training in minor tactics, weapon handling, communication, arrests, community policing, rules of engagement, and intelligence gathering, adding that, the goal was to make them disciplined, professional, and community-focused.