Tinubu Approves Recruitment Of 1,000 Forest Guards To Fight Bandits In Katsina

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards for Katsina State as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and combat banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state.

The announcement was made by Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, following a strategic engagement with Islamic clerics and key stakeholders at the Government House in Katsina on Tuesday.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Governor Radda said the engagement was aimed at obtaining the views of religious leaders on the prevailing security challenges and exploring sustainable, community-driven solutions to insecurity.

“The purpose of this meeting was to hear directly from Islamic clerics, to understand their perspectives on the current security challenges, and to seek their advice on the way forward,” the governor said.

Radda emphasised that tackling banditry and kidnapping requires the active participation of communities, noting that security agencies alone cannot solve the problem.

“This problem cannot be solved only through the efforts of security agencies. Individuals and communities have very important roles to play in curbing banditry and kidnapping,” he stated.

The governor said investigations and security assessments have revealed that some members of local communities contribute to criminal groups’ activities by sharing intelligence, providing logistical support, and selling stolen livestock.

“Most of their supply chains, information networks, and even the sale of stolen animals involve people living among us. This is why there is a need to sensitise the entire community so that everyone plays their part,” he explained.

According to him, Islamic clerics remain critical partners in efforts to promote moral values and social responsibility, which are essential for addressing the root causes of insecurity.

“Clerics play a vital role in guiding the moral values of society. We presented the challenges to them and sought their counsel as we work toward lasting solutions,” he added.

Governor Radda highlighted several measures his administration has already implemented to disrupt criminal groups’ operations.

These include restrictions on motorcycle use in some frontline local government areas, such as Musawa and Matazu, as well as limitations on Point of Sale (POS) operations and informal charging points, which are believed to facilitate criminal activities.

He also noted that restrictions have been placed on the sale of petroleum products across the state to reduce access to supplies used by armed groups operating in remote areas.

The governor explained that the measures were introduced after consultations with community leaders and stakeholders in affected communities.

In a major boost to ongoing security efforts, Radda announced that President Tinubu had approved the state’s request to recruit 1,000 young men and women as forest guards.

“I want to appreciate Mr President for approving our request to recruit 1,000 young, non-disabled men and women as forest guards. They will work alongside conventional security agencies and community watch groups,” he said.

He disclosed that the forest guards would be adequately trained and equipped to secure forested and hard-to-reach areas that have often served as hideouts for criminal elements.

Governor Radda also commended the Federal Government for increasing the deployment of military personnel, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to Katsina State.

“The level of deployment we have seen from the military, police, and DSS is highly encouraging. This is a coordinated effort we deeply appreciate,” he said.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies, stressing that maintaining peace and security is a collective responsibility.

“Security is a collective responsibility. We urge all citizens to cooperate with authorities and contribute to peace in our communities,” he said.