Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State emphasized that the North-West Governor’s Forum is determined to prevent insecurity from defining the region.
Speaking at the opening of a two-day North-West Peace and Security Summit in Katsina on Monday, themed ‘Regional Cooperation for Securing Lives and Livelihoods in NorthWest Nigeria,’ Governor Radda outlined a comprehensive strategy to combat the rampant banditry and restore peace.
He acknowledged the severe impact of banditry on the communities, noting,
“Banditry has cast a shadow over our communities. It has disrupted lives, stifled economic activities, and instilled fear among our people. We cannot allow this menace to define our region. As leaders, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that includes robust intelligence gathering, community policing, and deploying advanced security technologies.”
Governor Radda stressed the importance of enhancing the capacity of national security forces through continuous improvements and adequate resources.
“To effectively combat banditry, we need to strengthen our intelligence networks,”
he said.
This involves improving surveillance systems, investing in modern technology such as drones and satellite imagery, and enhancing coordination among various security agencies.
Additionally, he pointed out the need for establishing more efficient communication channels to ensure timely responses to threats.
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However, he emphasized that addressing banditry is not solely the responsibility of security agencies.
“We must engage with local communities, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to foster a culture of cooperation and trust,”
he said.
Community engagement is crucial for gathering actionable intelligence and building resilience against criminal activities.
Governor Radda highlighted the success of community security initiatives in the region.
“Most states in the region have already established community security initiatives where local outfits work hand in hand with formal security forces to protect their communities. In Katsina, we launched the Community Watch Corps. Zamfara and Sokoto states have equally launched successful programs, while Kaduna already had an existing program in place,”
he noted.
He added that many states have now established full-fledged ministries for internal security, making security a focal part of their administrative duties.
Addressing the root causes of banditry, Governor Radda pointed to economic deprivation and lack of opportunities as significant factors.
He proposed vocational training, job opportunities, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises as ways to divert vulnerable individuals from criminal activities.
“Our region has the potential to be the nation’s breadbasket, yet we face significant challenges in achieving food security,”
he said.
Concluding his speech, Governor Radda called for unity and urgent action.
“The path to peace, security, and prosperity for the Northwest lies in our hands. We must act with urgency, determination, and unity of purpose. Let us build a region where every citizen can live in peace, agriculture thrives, socio-economic justice prevails, and poverty is a thing of the past,”
he appealed.
