Following the security challenges confronting many northern states and the prolonged wait for decisive intervention by the federal government and security agencies, state governments in the region are deploying their own measures to combat the menace.
Several state governments are reported to have applied internal mechanisms to stem the tide of killings, kidnappings, and other breaches of the peace and threats to livelihoods.
Katsina to Procure 700 Bikes, 20 Hilux Vans, Others
In Katsina State, for instance, the government has taken proactive measures to strengthen security, particularly following the recent resurgence of insecurity in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Apart from procuring security vehicles, it has ensured the deployment of additional security personnel across the state.
The Katsina State Government approved the procurement of 700 motorcycles and 20 Hilux vehicles as part of fresh measures to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state.
The approvals were granted during the 12th Regular Meeting of the State Executive Council, presided over by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda at Government House, Katsina.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, said the decision was informed by the state’s difficult terrain, which makes it challenging for conventional vehicles to access certain rural and vulnerable communities.
“The government has made its position very clear: security is the first, second, and third priority of this administration. We are determined to deal with insecurity in its totality,” Dr Danmusa said.
In addition to the vehicles, the Council also approved the procurement of tactical equipment, including security arms machines, tactical carry cases, slings, tools, clearing kits, and operational manuals.
These assets will support the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, which will collaborate with the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies.
Dr Danmusa further disclosed that the Council also ratified the purchase of eight Toyota Land Cruiser (Buffalo) armoured pick-up trucks to boost mobility and provide secure access to bandit-prone areas.
“These measures are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen our community-based security initiatives and provide conventional agencies like the Police, DSS, and Civil Defence with the tools they need to combat insecurity more effectively,” he added.
He appealed to residents to continue supporting government efforts through prayers and cooperation, assuring them of the administration’s determination to restore lasting peace across Katsina State.
Kurfi Community, Bandits Strike Peace Deal in Katsina
Meanwhile, community leaders in Kurfi Local Government Area of the state have reached a peace agreement with bandits terrorising the area.
The move was aimed at ending years of bloodshed, cattle rustling, and kidnapping in the area.
According to reports, the historic reconciliation took place on Thursday inside Wurma Forest, one of the epicentres of insecurity in the area. The truce was spearheaded by the Maradin Katsina and District Head of Kurfi, Alhaji Mansur Amadu Kurfi, alongside the council chairman, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi Kurfi.
Speaking at the peace parley, the District Head described the moment as a turning point for the people of Kurfi.
“This is a step for the progress of our community. We have chosen peace, and we will protect this trust for the sake of our people,” he said.
He urged Fulani leaders to appoint traditional heads among themselves to strengthen accountability.
Key Fulani leaders, including Alhaji Usman Kachalla Ruga, Sani Muhindinge, Yahaya Sani (popularly known as Hayyu), and Alhaji Shu’aibu, unanimously pledged to stop killings, abductions, and cattle rustling.
They assured that farmers could now return to their farmlands without fear.
“From today, we drop our weapons of violence. We want peace, and we will release the people in our custody,” they declared.
The local government chairman, Hon. Babangida Abdullahi, expressed excitement about the agreement, hailing it as the beginning of a new chapter for Kurfi.
“This is the end of insecurity in our communities. We will fulfil our promises, from rehabilitating schools and hospitals to ensuring your detained members are fairly treated,” Hon. Abdullahi vowed.
He further announced that Fulani herders are now free to move and do business across Kurfi without harassment.
The meeting, which drew traditional rulers, community elders, and residents of the most affected villages, ended with renewed hopes that lasting peace will finally return to Kurfi after years of fear and bloodshed.
Kurfi LGA is the fifth council in Katsina to make peace with suspected bandits, joining Jibia, Batsari, Safana, and Danmusa LGAs.
Borno’s Non-Kinetic Approach
The active collaboration between the Borno State Government and security agencies has immensely contributed to the relative peace achieved in the state over more than 14 years of the Boko Haram insurgency.
Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has persistently appealed to the federal government for more military deployment while also providing over 300 patrol vehicles and over 500 motorcycles to security operatives.
The creation of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a youth volunteer group, has complemented military efforts and significantly reduced attacks.
The governor also donated houses and offered cash assistance to wounded soldiers and families of fallen heroes.
The government’s non-kinetic strategy through the ‘Safe Corridor’ deradicalisation programme has led to the surrender of over 200,000 insurgents and their families in recent years.
Kwara Deploys Forest Guards
In its bid to flush out criminals, the Kwara State Government has deployed trained local vigilantes as forest guards.
To ensure their mobility, the state and its 16 LGAs jointly purchased 320 motorcycles for deployment into forests and difficult terrains.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has also held consultative meetings with traditional rulers and stakeholders in Kwara North and South on the operations and strategies of the security forces.
Kaduna Combines Dialogue and Defence
The administration of Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has employed both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to curb insecurity.
According to Information Commissioner-designate, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, the Kaduna Peace Dialogue Group has been central to the reintegration of repentant bandits.
He spoke during the reopening of the Kara livestock market in Birnin Gwari and Giwa market—shut for over a decade due to insecurity.
“Our strategy blends robust operations with socio-economic empowerment, youth development, and traditional engagement,” Maiyaki said.
He added that over 500,000 hectares of land had been recovered as peace returns to many flashpoints.
Yobe Conducts Security Audit
On his part, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni initiated a proactive review of the security situation following recent insurgent activities in Gaidam, Gujba, and Yunusari LGAs.
Brig. Gen. Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), special adviser on security, said infiltration from neighbouring areas was responsible for the latest unrest.
He confirmed that calm had been restored, with security forces on ground and measures in place to prevent recurrence.
Yobe’s proximity to Borno and the Niger Republic makes its security concerns particularly acute.
Military Bases Set Up in Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris took the issue of persistent killings and kidnappings to top defence chiefs, resulting in the approval of military bases across volatile zones.
Director of Security, Abdulrahman Zagga, said chiefs of Defence, Air, and Naval Staff visited the state and provided strategic support.
He noted that a stakeholder meeting involving vigilantes and community leaders has dramatically reduced insecurity.
Sokoto Govt Supports Security Agencies
The Sokoto State Government under Governor Ahmed Aliyu has provided robust support to security operatives.
In addition to logistics and operational backing, the administration has introduced new strategies and called for broad-based citizen support in the fight against criminality.
It’s Military’s Duty to Quell Insecurity — APC
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, cannot be doubted when he linked recent killings and insecurity in the country to the 2027 general elections.
General Musa revealed this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today last week.
Reacting to the statement, the APC director of publicity, Yusuf Bala Ibrahim, said no one should doubt the CDS because he has access to privileged information.
Ibrahim, however, said it is the CDS’s responsibility to tackle insecurity without being prompted by the ruling party or individuals.
“When the Chief of Defence Staff says something regarding security, I think no one should doubt him or take it with a pinch of salt. He’s in a position to get information that ordinary people like you and I cannot access.
“So, for him to accuse politicians or allege that some of these insurgencies have political colouration, he must have valid reasons. Security is a collective responsibility; we must work together regardless of status or position.
“Whether or not the party tells him to go after those engineering insecurity is immaterial. That is his primary responsibility as a military man. He is trained to arrest and stop insecurity without being told. I am sure he knows his mandate,” the APC chieftain said.
