From Abdullahi Shugaba, in Katsina
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1000 Forest Guards to strengthen security in Katsina State.
Radda disclosed this to newsmen after meeting with religious clerics and other stakeholders in Government House Katsina.
He said that the purpose of the meeting is to hear directly from Islamic clerics and understand their views on the current security challenges bedeviling the state, and the way forward.
The governor explained that investigation revealed that bad elements within communities are involved in supporting the the criminals to perpetuate their evil acts.
“Most of their supply chains, information networks, and even the sale of stolen animals are carried out with people living among us”
“This is why there is need to sensitize the entire community so that everyone should play his part to track down the criminals” he said.
According to him, religious leaders play vital roles in guiding the moral values of our society.
He announced that his administration has taken decisive steps, including banning the use of motorcycles in some affected local government areas like Musawa and Matazu, as well as restricting the use of POS machines and hand set charging points which facilitates criminal activities.
The governor disclosed that the sale of petroleum products has been restricted across the state as part of broader efforts to limit the operational capacity of bandits.
He said these measures were introduced after consultations with community leaders in the affected areas
Radda further commended Mr. President for approving the request to recruit 1,000 young, able-bodied men and women as forest guards across the state.
He explained that the guards will work alongside with conventional security agencies and community watch groups.
According to him those to be recruited will properly be scrutinized and equipped to effectively discharge their responsibilities in safeguarding communities in the forested and remote areas of the state.
He expressed satisfaction with the massive deployment of military, and other security agencies to fight insecurity in the state
“Security is not the sole responsibilities of the government alone but is a collective effort he said.
