Auwal Isah, Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar 

In a strategic move to curb insecurity and strengthen local safety networks, Katsina State Governor Dr. Dikko Radda officially deployed 555 new Katsina Community Watch Corps (KCWC) officers on Friday, November 8, 2024. These officers were selected from ten local government areas—Bakori, Danja, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Kafur, Matazu, Charanchi, Musawa, Malumfashi, and Funtua—and will operate within their respective communities to enhance safety and support established security forces.

Addressing attendees at the inauguration ceremony, Governor Radda underscored the critical role of community engagement in sustaining peace and security. Reflecting on last year’s deployment of 1,466 officers, which yielded significant safety improvements, he remarked, “The collaboration of these officers with existing security agencies and the active involvement of our communities have led to remarkable achievements in Katsina’s security landscape.”

Governor Radda reiterated the shared responsibility of maintaining peace, urging citizens to actively support the new recruits. “Security is a collective duty. Every Katsina resident has a role in ensuring our safety. By supporting these officers, we can protect lives, uphold dignity, and safeguard property across our communities,” he stated.

Highlighting the progress brought about by the KCWC initiative, the governor noted that the presence of these officers has bolstered safety for farmers by around 90%, allowing them to farm and harvest without fear. He extended his gratitude to both residents and security agencies for their steadfast cooperation, which he credited as fundamental to the state’s security advancements.

The inauguration took place at the Katsina State Security Training Academy and featured remarks from Katsina’s Commissioner of Security and Internal Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Ma’azu Danmusa. Dr. Danmusa commended Governor Radda’s unwavering support for security initiatives, describing it as instrumental in ensuring the ministry’s impact across the state.

Distinguished attendees included Deputy Governor Hon. Faruk Lawal Jobe, House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, state legislators, and Katsina State Chief of Staff Alhaji Jabiru Tsauri, along with prominent community and traditional leaders.

Equipped with vehicles, motorcycles, and essential gear, the new KCWC officers are fully prepared to serve and protect their communities, reinforcing Katsina’s commitment to a safer state for all.