Katsina State governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has launched another batch of 200 Community Watch Corps members, extending the homegrown security outfit’s presence to 20 out of the state’s 34 local government areas, particularly in communities described as epicentres of banditry.
At the event in Katsina, Governor Radda said the deployment was part of his administration’s continuous effort to secure rural communities, which have endured years of violent attacks and to consolidate recent gains in peacebuilding.
The governor revealed that 50 corps members would be deployed to Kankia local government area, while another 50 would operate in Dutsin-ma, a community he described as one of the major epicentres of banditry in the state.
“Dutsima shares boundaries with Safana, Danmusa and Matazu – all flashpoints of bandit activities. This deployment is a deliberate step to reinforce local security and empower the communities to defend themselves within the law,” he said
The governor said that with the latest batch, the Community Watch Corps now operates in 20 local government areas, covering the state’s most vulnerable and high-risk zones.
He reiterated that his administration’s approach to fighting insecurity is community-driven, focusing on intelligence gathering and collaboration with traditional and religious institutions.
Radda dismissed reports suggesting that the government was negotiating with bandits, describing them as false and misleading.
“The Katsina State government has not, and will not, negotiate with criminals. However, we encourage peace processes initiated by communities under the supervision of security agencies, not as negotiation, but as conflict resolution,” he said.
The governor asserted that the Katsina Community Peace Accord Model had produced measurable results in several local governments.
“Jibia has now enjoyed eight months of uninterrupted peace, Basari has been calm for seven months, while other frontline areas like Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, Sabuwa and Dandume have also seen significant reductions in attacks,” he added.
Radda added that Kankara has recently joined the peace initiative, expressing optimism that stability would soon return to the area.
Governor Radda also disclosed that additional councils, including Musawa, Matazu, Dutsin-ma, Kurfi, Malumfashi, Kafur, Funtua and Bakori have embraced the peace model and integrated Community Watch units into their security structure.
He reiterated, “This expansion means 20 of our 34 local governments now have operational Community Watch Corps. It reflects our determination to protect the people and reclaim territories that were once the epicentres of banditry.”
