Katsina Govt To Acquire More Arms For Vigilantes

The Katsina State government has reiterated its plan to buy more firearms for the trained vigilante members in the fight against bandits and terrorism in the state.

This has been part of the government’s strategy in establishing community policing to consolidate the 3-tie security arrangement constituted by the immediate past administration of Aminu Bello Masari.

The state deputy governor, Faroq Lawal Jobe made the revelation yesterday at the ‘Hawan Bariki’  Sallah celebration held at the Old Government House Katsina, witnessed by Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman and other prominent personalities.

Jobe who represented the state governor Dikko Umar Radda, said the government has made security one of the top priorities to be restored within the first 100 days in office and that the people will start seeing its manifestation.

Explaining further that the government met with all heads of security operatives in the state who agreed to collaborate and contribute meaningfully to the intended plan to end the menace of insecurity that bedevilled some parts of the state, he also disclosed government’s plan to recruit and train additional youths and empower them with firearms in the eight front lines local government areas in proximity to Rugu forest, the hideout of the bandits.

He maintained that this time they are expected to take the fight to the bandits inside the forest and not wait for them to attack.

While congratulating the people for celebrating Sallah, Jobe equally urged the traditional leaders to support the government in its effort to curtail crimes and criminality, by ensuring that those to be enlisted for the training are scrutinised, adding that the government is not ready to negotiate with bandits.