Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State says President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations in the state.
Radda disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing newsmen after a meeting with Islamic clerics and other stakeholders at the Government House, Katsina.He said the meeting was part of the state government’s efforts to tackle insecurity through community-driven solutions and greater stakeholder participation.
According to the governor, the engagement with religious leaders is aimed at obtaining their perspectives on the security challenges facing the state and exploring sustainable solutions to banditry and kidnapping.
“The purpose of this meeting is to hear directly from Islamic clerics, understand their perspectives on the current security challenges, and seek their advice on the way forward,” he said.
Radda stressed that insecurity could not be addressed by security agencies alone, noting that communities must play active roles in combating banditry and kidnapping.
He said investigations had shown that some residents were aiding criminal groups through intelligence sharing, logistics, and the sale of 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 his/her part.
“Islamic clerics are critical partners in promoting moral values and mobilising communities against crime,” he opined.
