Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has reiterated that his administration will not negotiate with armed bandits but will continue to pursue peace through locally led initiatives aimed at restoring stability to affected communities.
Speaking at the inauguration of 100 newly trained Community Watch Corps (C-Watch) personnel in Katsina on Wednesday, Radda said his government remains committed to ending banditry through a combination of community engagement and security enforcement.
“The headlines claim we are negotiating with bandits, but that is far from the truth,” the governor said. “We will not negotiate with bandits, though we are always open to peace.”
He explained that the “Katsina Model” empowers local communities to initiate peace talks with repentant bandits willing to surrender, while the state government provides oversight and ensures law and order.
“Our goal is to ensure that communities enjoying peace also experience socio-economic growth, giving our people a dignified existence,” he said.
Radda highlighted progress made under the initiative, noting that Jibia and Batsari local government areas have recorded eight and seven months of peace respectively, with other councils including Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa reporting relative calm.
He warned, however, that those who revert to criminal activity would face the full force of the law, emphasising that kinetic operations by federal forces remain an integral part of the state’s security strategy.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, commended the governor’s approach, noting that the C-Watch scheme—now in its third phase since 2023—has significantly improved local security.
He said the new recruits would be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas, with 50 officers assigned to each community.
