Katsina Govt Spends N36.9bn On Security

The Katsina State government disclosed that it has expended a staggering sum of N36,865,034,376.76 on various internal security initiatives as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and restore peace across the state.

The deputy governor of Katsina State, Faruk Lawal, made this known on Monday during the fifth edition of the monthly press briefing, which focused on key developments in Internal Security, Lands Management, and Power sectors.

Speaking to members of the press, Lawal emphasized that security remains a top priority of the Governor Dikko Umaru Radda-led administration, noting that a comprehensive kinetic and non-kinetic approach has been deployed in addressing the complex security challenges in the region.

One of the major highlights was the establishment and equipping of the Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC), which is already operational in several frontline and vulnerable local government areas.

Over 2,000 personnel, including security watch corps, vigilantes, and civilian hunters, have been recruited and deployed across affected communities.

The government also invested heavily in logistics and combat tools, including the procurement of 10 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs), 65 Toyota Hilux vehicles, 700 motorcycles, drones, and advanced communication equipment. Additionally, it funded free medical care and financial assistance for over 2,286 victims of banditry and internally displaced persons, amounting to N985.9 million.

In a bid to tackle the root causes of insecurity and enhance coordination, the state also established the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, created specialized advisory offices, and hosted a Northwest Peace and Security Summit in collaboration with the UNDP, which produced a regional framework for peace and development.

On land reforms, the administration introduced the Katsina State Geographic Information Service (KATGIS), a technology-driven system designed to replace manual land registration.

The digitization effort, aimed at boosting transparency and revenue, cost the government N859.5 million.

Furthermore, the government is updating the outdated city master plans for Katsina, Funtua, and Daura (2025–2040) and plans to extend similar updates to four additional cities.

A total of N315.3 million has been allocated for the review, while N725 million was spent to revive the Urban and Regional Planning Board, including the purchase of heavy-duty equipment for development control.

To facilitate infrastructural development, over N3.17 billion has been paid in compensation to individuals affected by land takeovers, with another N2 billion budgeted for ongoing projects this year.

Addressing long-standing issues in power supply, the Katsina State Government has invested over N11.5 billion in energy projects since May 2023. This includes the ongoing installation of solar mini-grids in key public institutions such as the General Hospital Katsina, Government House, and the State Secretariat Complex at a cost of N3.84 billion.

Additionally, several electrification projects across the state were executed, including the provision of solar-powered streetlights, transformers, repairs of vandalized infrastructure, and digital mapping of power lines. These initiatives aim to improve electricity access, particularly in rural communities.

The deputy governor reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining the gains recorded so far, calling on residents to support government efforts and participate actively in peacebuilding.

“Together, we will continue to build a solid foundation for a brighter future of our people,” he said.