By Taibat Ummi Yakubu

In a renewed push to strengthen security across Katsina State, the Police Command has deployed additional officers and an Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) to Funtua, as stakeholders moved to address emerging threats and curb the spread of misinformation capable of fuelling panic among residents.

The announcement was made on Wednesday by the Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Umar-Fage, during a security stakeholders’ meeting convened in Funtua. The meeting, organised jointly by the Katsina State Police Command, the state government and other relevant stakeholders, brought together key actors to evaluate the security situation in the Funtua axis and develop strategies for sustaining peace in the area.

Speaking at the gathering, Umar-Fage said the reinforcement of security personnel and equipment was aimed at boosting operational capacity and enhancing the protection of lives and property across communities within the zone. He explained that the meeting focused on the security realities in Funtua, Faskari, Sabuwa and Dandume local government areas, which have remained a priority for security agencies.

The police commissioner expressed concern over the growing trend of false and misleading information circulating on social media platforms, warning that the spread of unverified reports could heighten fear among residents and undermine ongoing security efforts.

He stressed the need for responsible use of social media, urging citizens to confirm the authenticity of information before sharing it. According to him, misinformation not only creates unnecessary anxiety but can also interfere with security operations and public safety initiatives.

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Reaffirming the command’s commitment to safeguarding communities, Umar-Fage assured residents that security agencies were working tirelessly to maintain law and order across the Funtua zone and other parts of the state. He called on members of the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting suspicious activities and individuals for prompt intervention.

Deliberations at the meeting also centred on improving collaboration among security agencies and local stakeholders. At the end of the discussions, participants agreed to intensify joint security operations, strengthen intelligence-sharing networks and improve rapid-response mechanisms to tackle security challenges more effectively.

Among those in attendance were the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, representatives of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), traditional and religious leaders, as well as chairmen of the four local government councils within the Funtua zone.

The deployment is expected to reinforce ongoing security operations and reassure residents as authorities intensify efforts to maintain peace and stability in one of Katsina State’s most strategic regions.