In a bid to improve security of lives and properties in Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda has annoinced plans to establish a standard community police to help address security challenges in the state by supporting military and paramilitary personnel operating in crime-prone local councils.
Governor Dikko Radda made this known at the Government House, Katsina yesterday during a meeting with chairmen of the councils. The meeting was attended by traditional and religious leaders, Divisional Police Officers (DPO) and members of the state security committee, among other stakeholders.
Katsina is being faced with security challenges due to activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and animal rustlers.
Over the years, the security situation had claimed hundreds of lives, many abducted for ransom and communities partially or fully deserted.
Radda, who had promised to tackle insecurity when he was inaugurated on May 29, 2023, said guidelines on selection procedure and application forms for prospective recruits had been produced for distribution to interested youths. He also said the state government would consider integrating members of the existing vigilante groups into the community police.
According to the governor, a bill to provide for an enabling law to that effect had been sent to the House of Assembly for consideration. He added that the state government would provide the needed logistics to ensure that farmers in the frontline areas cultivate their farms this season.
The governor called on stakeholders to give government the needed support for improved security in the affected councils, especially during the rainy season and beyond.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Dangiwa, said the state government would take the issue of community policing to President Bola Tinubu to get his nod.
Dangiwa, however, called on members of the public to expose terrorists and those aiding their activities, to help security agencies carry out their duties efficiently.
