The Katsina State Government has made it clear that it will not engage in negotiations with any criminal individuals or groups, News About Nigeria gathered.
Instead, the government is dedicated to taking every possible measure to ensure the protection of its citizens.
This resolute stance was emphasised by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasiru Muazu-Danmusa, in a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Katsina.
Dr Nasiru Muazu-Danmusa underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to putting an end to banditry and other security challenges that have plagued the region.
One significant step towards this goal was the launch of the Community Security Watch Corps (KCSWC) by Governor Dikko Radda on October 10. This initiative demonstrates the government’s dedication to achieving lasting peace in the state.
The commissioner acknowledged that Katsina State currently harbours the highest number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North-West region due to the prevailing insecurity.
Nevertheless, the government is actively working on strategies to reverse this situation and allow IDPs to return to their communities.
Dr Nasiru Muazu-Danmusa stressed that the security agency’s personnel receive competitive salaries based on the National Minimum Wage, along with essential resources for effective operations.
These resources include the construction of offices, provision of patrol vehicles, motorcycles, weapons, and advanced gadgets.
The Community Security Watch Corps comprises individuals who are natives of their respective communities.
They have been actively involved in combating terrorism and possess an intimate knowledge of the local terrain. Their dedication to safeguarding their communities is a testament to their commitment.
The commissioner expressed optimism that, combined with the fervent prayers of the local population, this operation would yield positive results.
He called upon the public to intensify their efforts in providing credible intelligence information to security agencies. Such information is crucial in effectively preventing criminal activities.
It’s worth noting that the state government recently trained and deployed 1,466 young individuals to their communities to collaborate with other security agencies in the fight against banditry.
