Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to bolster security operations and intensify efforts against banditry, kidnapping, and related crimes in the state.

Radda disclosed this on Tuesday after a strategic meeting with Islamic clerics and other stakeholders at the Government House in Katsina.

Speaking with journalists after the engagement, the governor said the meeting was convened to seek the views and recommendations of religious leaders on the persistent security challenges confronting the state and identify practical solutions to address them.

According to him, Islamic clerics play a crucial role in shaping societal values and can significantly contribute to efforts aimed at restoring peace and stability.

He noted that while security agencies remain at the forefront of the fight against criminality, the support and cooperation of communities are essential to achieving lasting results.

The governor stressed that investigations had shown that some criminal groups receive assistance from individuals within local communities through intelligence sharing, logistics support, and the disposal of stolen livestock.

He said such findings underscored the need for greater public awareness and collective responsibility in tackling insecurity.

Radda explained that his administration had already introduced several measures to disrupt the operations of criminal elements. These include restrictions on motorcycle movements in vulnerable local government areas such as Musawa and Matazu, as well as controls on Point of Sale (POS) activities and informal charging centres suspected of aiding criminal networks.

He added that restrictions on the sale of petroleum products had also been implemented to limit access to supplies often used by armed groups operating in remote locations.

According to the governor, the measures were introduced following consultations with community leaders and relevant stakeholders in affected areas.

Highlighting recent progress in security operations, Radda said President Tinubu had approved the state's request to recruit 1,000 young men and women as forest guards to strengthen surveillance and security in forests and other difficult-to-access locations.

He explained that the recruits would undergo proper training and be equipped to work alongside conventional security agencies and community-based security outfits in protecting residents and denying criminals safe havens.

The governor expressed appreciation to the President for supporting the initiative, describing the approval as a major boost to ongoing efforts to improve security across the state.

Radda also commended the Federal Government for increasing the deployment of military personnel, police officers, and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to Katsina.

He described the enhanced security presence as encouraging and a reflection of the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing insecurity in the state.

The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and continue supporting security agencies with useful information, stressing that safeguarding lives and property requires the collective efforts of government, security institutions, and citizens.

He maintained that sustainable peace could only be achieved when communities actively participate in efforts to combat crime and support measures aimed at restoring security.