Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has reaffirmed his firm stance against negotiating with bandits who have been terrorizing certain areas of the state. The governor emphasized that his administration remains committed to restoring peace and security through proactive measures rather than entering into any form of dialogue or compromise with criminal elements. The Katsina State Governor made this declaration on Wednesday during the official inauguration of 100 newly recruited members of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), an initiative designed to enhance grassroots security across the state. According to Radda, the state government’s top priority is to secure lives and property by strengthening local intelligence networks and empowering security volunteers to collaborate effectively with law enforcement agencies. Speaking at the event, Governor Radda stated that while his administration is open to achieving peace through lawful and moral means, it will never succumb to the pressure of negotiating with those who have chosen to disrupt the lives of innocent citizens. He noted that engaging with bandits often emboldens them and prolongs the cycle of violence that has plagued rural communities in Katsina and other northern states. Radda further explained that the recruitment of 100 additional C-Watch officers was part of his broader strategy to complement the efforts of conventional security forces such as the police, army, and civil defense. He praised the existing corps for their dedication and urged the new recruits to discharge their duties with courage, integrity, and a deep sense of patriotism. He also assured citizens of Katsina that his administration will continue to provide the necessary support, logistics, and training to ensure that the Community Watch Corps operates efficiently and effectively. The governor emphasized that peace and stability can only be achieved when citizens and the government work hand in hand to combat insecurity from the grassroots level. Radda’s statement comes amid growing concerns over the persistence of bandit attacks in northwestern Nigeria, where villages and farming communities have suffered significant losses. The Katsina State Government, under his leadership, has launched several community-based initiatives to enhance surveillance, intelligence sharing, and rapid response to security threats. He urged the people of Katsina to remain vigilant, support security operations, and avoid giving in to fear or misinformation. Radda reiterated that the fight against insecurity is a collective effort that requires the active participation of every citizen to make Katsina State safe for all. For context, Katsina State has been one of the states severely affected by banditry and related crimes. However, recent efforts by the government to bolster local defense structures are gradually showing positive results, with reduced attacks in some regions. Governor Dikko Radda’s administration continues to prioritize rural security and youth empowerment programs aimed at addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as unemployment and poverty. His firm stance against negotiation with bandits reflects a commitment to upholding justice and ensuring lasting peace in the state.
A tragic armed confrontation between suspected bandits and Nigerian security forces has led to the deaths of at least 20 military personnel, with many of the armed assailants also neutralized during the intense exchange of fire in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State. Two Separate Communities Attacked Hours Apart The violent incident reportedly took place on Tuesday across two different villages in the region. According to local reports, Konan Dutse Kaiyan Ghana, located near the Bangi axis, came under attack around 11:00 p.m., while another assault occurred in Gulmin Boka community earlier at 5:00 p.m. on the same day. Local sources disclosed that the gunmen, believed to be bandits, were seen using their known routes—commonly exploited for abductions and cattle theft—when they encountered military resistance. Soldiers Ambushed During Response Mission In a statement confirming the harrowing development, Mariga Local Government Chairman, Alhaji Abbas Kasuwa Garba, revealed that the Nigerian soldiers were ambushed as they responded to an alert about suspicious bandit activity in the affected area. Garba also stated that the bodies of 17 soldiers had been recovered and transported to the Kontagora military barracks. The retrieval mission was conducted by collaborating security forces following the deadly encounter in the forested region. Ongoing Security Search and Reinforcements The council chairman emphasized that local vigilante groups and various security agencies are currently engaged in search operations to trace and apprehend the armed criminals. He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its rapid and effective aerial countermeasures, which were crucial in subduing some of the attackers. Garba also advised residents in the area to maintain their composure and to promptly report any unusual or suspicious activity to the relevant security authorities for timely intervention. Appeal for Calm Amid Security Operations While reassuring the public, the chairman noted that the Niger State Government is actively working with federal security forces to restore normalcy and safeguard the lives of citizens in the affected communities. “The government is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety, peace, and stability of the region,” he stated. As at the time of publishing, no official statement has been released by the state government or national security agencies regarding the incident.
