Insecurity: Gov Radda Okays 2,400 Youths For Community Watch Corps

To address insecurity in parts of Katsina State, the State government has came up with a strategy to recruit 2,400 youths, who will provide security for eight Local Government Areas that have been plagued by insecurity in the State under auspices of Katsina Community Watch Corps.

Consequently, on Friday, July 7, 2023, the Deputy Governor of the State, Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, launched the distribution of enlistment forms to the Local Government Chairmen whose Local Government Areas have been battling with insecurity.

The forms will be subsequently distributed to able-bodied youths, who are willing and ready to take part in the protection of the lives and properties of their community members.

A statement signed by Isah Miqdad,
Senior Special Assistant on Digital Media to Governor Ummaru Dikko Radda, on Saturday, said the plan to recruit, train and integrate the youths to local security architecture has been one of the key campaign promises of the governor.

He said during the event, the Deputy Governor said, “It is public knowledge that the Governor of Katsina state, Malam Dikko Radda, has vowed to eliminate the security problem, especially in the local governments where it has affected many people and even the entire Katsina state.”

He further stressed that young people would be employed in the arrangement, adding that they would join security officers who would give them the needed training and equipment so that they protect the lives and properties of their community members.

“As such, 300 youths from each affected LGA would be engaged to complement the service of security officers. He also added that they must be natives of their community, have good character and not exceed 35 years.

“Finally, he urged the leaders of the local governments and all other stakeholders of each local government to try to select the people who are willing and able to see the plan achieve its main objective,” he stated.

For his part, Secretary of the State Government, Arc. Ahmad Musa Dan-Giwa, stated that a few days ago, “we had a meeting with the local authorities in which it was discussed that the programme, Katsina Community Watch Corps, would significantly improve security in the local areas where insecurity has become a norm. Therefore, by issuing these forms, it could be affirmed that the recruitment process has just begun.

“In the end, he also shed some light on how to recruit these young people to ensure that the programme becomes successful. He also urged them to try to choose trustworthy people and advised them on how to appoint security officers who will coordinate the exercise,” Misqad added.