Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced a raft of new security measures, including a statewide ban on the sale and transportation of fuel in jerrycans and the closure of Point of Sale (POS) businesses in two local government areas, as part of efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping.
The directives, which take immediate effect, were unveiled following an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers and key stakeholders across the state.
The Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, disclosed the measures in a statement issued on Tuesday, describing them as part of a broader strategy to disrupt the operational networks of criminal groups terrorising communities.
According to the statement, Governor Radda signed an Executive Order introducing stricter controls aimed at cutting off logistics and communication channels allegedly used by bandits and kidnappers.
“Following extensive consultations with security agencies and traditional leaders, the government has resolved to implement additional measures to strengthen security and protect lives and property across the state,” the statement said.
Under the new directives, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been prohibited throughout Katsina State.
“The ban on petroleum products in jerrycans is intended to prevent fuel supplies from being diverted to criminal elements operating in remote locations and forest enclaves,” the statement explained.
The governor also ordered the immediate closure of all POS businesses and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas following intelligence assessments linking such facilities to activities of criminal networks.
“Security assessments have revealed that some of these facilities are being exploited by criminal groups to facilitate communication, financial transactions and other unlawful activities. Consequently, all POS businesses and commercial phone-charging points in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas are to cease operations with immediate effect,” the statement added.
As part of the security package, the use of motorcycles has also been prohibited across the two local government areas.
According to the government, the restriction is aimed at disrupting the mobility of bandits and kidnappers who frequently rely on motorcycles to carry out attacks and evade security forces.
Governor Radda reiterated that the protection of residents remains the foremost responsibility of his administration.
“The safety and security of our people remain our highest priority. We will continue to work closely with security agencies and community leaders to restore peace and stability across every part of Katsina State,” he said.
The governor appealed to residents to cooperate fully with security agencies by complying with the new regulations and providing credible intelligence that could aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
He also warned that violators of the directives would face strict sanctions.
“The government will not treat defaulters of these directives with kid gloves. Anyone found undermining these measures will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” the statement quoted the governor as saying.
Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying all lawful means necessary to tackle insecurity and create a safe environment for economic and social activities to thrive across the state.
