Radda Calls for United North-West Security as 2,000 Kano Vigilantes Graduate
Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on governors in the region to strengthen unity and take collective responsibility for securing lives and property across the North-West.
Governor Radda made the call at the graduation ceremony of 2,000 pioneer members of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps in Kano, describing the event as a major step toward reinforcing community-based security in the region.
He said the governors of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi share a non-negotiable duty to protect their people, stressing that insecurity cuts across state boundaries and requires coordinated regional action.
According to him, the graduation symbolises a shared resolve by North-West leaders to confront banditry and criminality through collaboration, intelligence sharing and harmonised security strategies.
Governor Radda noted that effective security must be rooted at the grassroots, adding that community-driven initiatives help to build trust, improve intelligence gathering and sustain peace.
Highlighting Katsina State’s efforts, he disclosed that 6,696 trained community security personnel have been deployed across the state, supported with logistics including patrol vehicles, motorcycles, armoured personnel carriers, rifles and other tactical equipment.
He urged the newly graduated Kano Neighbourhood Watch members to discharge their duties with discipline, integrity and fairness, describing their role as critical to protecting communities and preserving public trust.
In his remarks, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, said the inauguration of the 2,000 operatives was aimed at strengthening internal security and deepening community policing, particularly in vulnerable and border areas. He added that the initiative would also provide employment opportunities for youths.
Governor Yusuf disclosed that the state had provided patrol vehicles and motorcycles across the 44 local government areas to support the corps, which will work closely with security agencies, including the police, DSS, NSCDC and the military.
Former Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, called on the Federal Government to increase recruitment into the armed forces to address national security challenges, while the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, emphasised the importance of community participation and collaboration with traditional institutions.
The event was attended by representatives of North-West governors, federal lawmakers, senior government officials, traditional rulers and leaders of the business community.
