By Ayo Kehinde
The Katsina State Government has intensified its crackdown on banditry and kidnapping with the introduction of stringent new security measures, including a statewide ban on the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans, as troops of the Nigerian Army rescued four kidnap victims during ongoing military operations targeting notorious bandit leader, Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, and his criminal gang.
The latest developments underscore a broader multi-pronged offensive by the state government aimed at dismantling criminal networks responsible for worsening insecurity across several communities in the North-West state.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Katsina State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, authorities confirmed that four abducted victims were successfully rescued during sustained military operations in areas believed to be hideouts of armed bandits linked to Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani.
The rescued victims were identified as Musa Yakuba, 62; Alhaji Sa’adu Dayi, 68; Mukhtar Danja, 36; and Salisu Danja, 50. The government said medical personnel immediately attended to them after they were rescued, following gunshot injuries sustained during captivity.
The ministry said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to track and apprehend Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani, who has been linked to multiple attacks and kidnapping incidents across the state.
Authorities also recalled that the wife of late Major General Rabe Abubakar was earlier rescued in related operations, noting that the newly rescued victims were previously seen in a photograph alongside the late senior military officer.
In the statement signed by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, the state government commended the courage and professionalism of security operatives involved in the operation.
“Their relentless efforts continue to yield positive results in the fight against banditry and kidnapping across the state”, the statement said.
The government stressed that security forces remain on the trail of Kachalla Muhammadu Fulani and other criminal elements, assuring residents that ongoing military operations would continue until those responsible for acts of terror are brought to justice.
Meanwhile, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has unveiled fresh executive measures designed to disrupt criminal supply chains and weaken the operational capacity of armed groups terrorising rural communities.
The new directives, approved under an Executive Order following an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers and critical stakeholders, include a statewide prohibition on the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans.
According to the government, intelligence reports revealed that fuel transported in containers has become a critical supply source sustaining armed groups operating deep inside forest enclaves across the state.
Authorities said the decision was specifically aimed at cutting off logistical support to bandits and significantly degrading their operational capabilities.
Governor Radda, while briefing journalists after a separate meeting with Islamic clerics at Government House in Katsina, said the fight against insecurity requires broader community participation beyond conventional military operations.
“The purpose of this meeting was to hear directly from Islamic clerics, to understand their perspectives on the current security challenges, and to seek their advice on the way forward”, the governor stated.
He maintained that security agencies alone cannot defeat banditry, stressing that community members play a crucial role in identifying and isolating criminal networks operating within local communities.
“This problem cannot be solved only through the efforts of security agencies. Individuals and communities have very important roles to play in curbing banditry and kidnapping,” he said.
Governor Radda disclosed that investigations have shown that criminal groups often receive support from some residents through intelligence sharing, supply networks and the sale of stolen livestock.
“Most of their supply chains, information networks, and even the sale of stolen animals involve people living among us. This is why there is a need to sensitise the entire community so that everyone plays their part”, he added.
The governor also referenced additional security restrictions already imposed in troubled local government areas, including bans on motorcycle movement in Musawa and Matazu, alongside restrictions on Point of Sale (POS) machines and informal charging points believed to aid criminal activities.
In a significant boost to the state’s security architecture, Governor Radda further announced that President Bola Tinubu had approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen operations in vulnerable communities and forest corridors frequently used by criminal gangs.
“I want to appreciate Mr President for approving our request to recruit 1,000 young, able-bodied men and women as forest guards. They will work alongside conventional security agencies and community watch groups”, he said.
According to him, the recruits will be properly trained and equipped to secure remote communities effectively and support ongoing military operations.
Governor Radda also commended the Federal Government for increased deployment of security personnel, including operatives of the military, police and the Department of State Services, describing the intervention as highly encouraging.
“The level of deployment we have seen from the military, police, and DSS is highly encouraging. This is a coordinated effort we deeply appreciate”, he said.
He called on residents to remain vigilant and cooperate fully with security agencies, insisting that restoring peace in Katsina requires collective effort from both government and citizens.
