Dikko Radda, governor of Katsina, says the state security watch corps has been instrumental in the arrest of over 1,000 informants working with bandits.

Radda spoke in Katsina on Monday during a courtesy visit by Hassan Abubakar, chief of air staff (CAS).

The governor said his administration is committed to enhancing the security of lives and properties to fast-track sustainable agricultural transformation in the state.

Radda said the continued collaboration between the state government and the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) would checkmate banditry in the state.

"We assured the armed forces of our readiness to support their efforts in any way we could. The state has made significant progress in identifying and apprehending informants collaborating with bandits,” he said.

“The Katsina state security watch corps has been instrumental in this effort, leading to the arrest of over 1,000 informants.”

The governor said the government has engaged relevant stakeholders in the LGAs of the state to identify and eliminate bandits.

Radda said the state has doubled its efforts towards addressing the root causes of banditry in Katsina and its neighbours in the north-west.

“We are actively engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community heads to identify and eliminate suspicious elements within our communities,” he said.

“I recognised that unemployment, illiteracy, and lack of livelihood opportunities are major contributors to the security challenges we face.”

Culled from TheCable