Radda imposes fresh restrictions in Katsina to curb banditry, kidnapping

The Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced a new set of security measures aimed at strengthening the fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state.

The governor unveiled the directives following an emergency security meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders, stressing that the safety of lives and property remains a top priority for his administration.

Under the new Executive Order, the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been banned across the state with immediate effect. The government said the measure was introduced to prevent fuel supplies from being diverted to criminal groups operating in remote areas.

Radda also approved the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, citing security reports indicating that such facilities were being used by criminal networks to support their operations.

As part of the measures, the governor announced a total ban on the use of motorcycles in Matazu and Musawa local government areas. According to him, the restriction is intended to disrupt the movement and activities of bandits and kidnappers who frequently rely on motorcycles for mobility.

The governor assured residents that the state government would continue to collaborate with security agencies to restore peace and stability in affected communities and across the state.

He urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by complying with the new directives and providing useful intelligence that could aid security operations. He also warned that anyone found violating the measures would face the full weight of the law.