Gov Dikko Radda of Katsina has reiterated commitment towards enhancing security of lives and properties, to fast track sustainable agricultural transformation in the state.
He stated this during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, on Monday in Katsina.
Radda, who underscored the importance of collaboration between the state government and the armed forces, sought for continued support by the Nigeria Air Force (NAF).
“We assured the armed forces of our readiness to support their efforts in any way we can.
“The state has made significant progress in identifying and apprehending informants collaborating with bandits.
“The Katsina State Security Watch Corps has been instrumental in this effort, leading to the arrest of over 1,000 informants,” he said.
The governor recalled a recent case of a detained suspected woman which led to the arrest of 67 other suspects in one village.
“We are actively engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders and community heads, to identify and eliminate suspicious elements within our communities,” he said.
Radda highlighted the state’s multifaceted approach towards addressing the root causes of banditry in the state and its neighbours in the North-West.
“I recognised that unemployment, illiteracy and lack of livelihood opportunities are major contributors to the security challenges we face,” he said,
According to Radda, approximately about 90 per cent of the state’s population engage in agriculture, adding that the state government has introduced initiatives to prioritise investment in the sector.
The initiatives, he said, aim to boost agricultural production and create employment opportunities, especially for the youths.
He said the state government recently approved N30 billion for procurement of mechanised farming equipment.
Radda added that his administration also distributed fertilisers to farmers at subsidised rate, adding that plans were underway to distribute 4,000 water pumps to irrigation farmers.
“This initiative will not only enhance food security but also provide sustainable livelihoods for our young people.”
He, therefore, urged residents of the state to be vigilant and support security operatives in the fight against criminals.
Earlier, Abubakar lauded the Katsina government’s efforts in enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing.
“The priority given to security in the past year has fostered a more conducive environment for sustained socio-economic growth and development of the state.
“I appreciate the governor for his commitment toward lasting peace in the state, especially in his efforts at establishing the Katsina Community Watch Corps,” he said.
Abubakar said the Service would deploy more special forces to the NAF QRWs in Katsina, Daura and Funtua Local Government Areas of the state.
According to him, the special forces were strategically located to complement the ground troops and other security agencies in the fight against banditry and kidnappers.
The air chief also commiserated with the government and the people of the state over demise of Late Hajiya Dada Yar’adua, mother of the former President Umaru Musa-Yar’adua. (NAN)
