The Katsina State Government has unveiled a series of new security measures designed to combat banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity across the state.

 

Among the measures introduced by the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda is a statewide prohibition on the sale, transportation and storage of fuel in jerrycans, alongside additional restrictions targeting activities believed to facilitate criminal operations.

 

The directives were contained in an Executive Order issued following an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders.

 

The development was disclosed in a statement released by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

 

According to the statement, the emergency meeting was convened to review the prevailing security challenges in the state and identify more effective strategies for disrupting the activities of bandits and kidnappers.

 

As part of the new measures, the government has imposed an immediate ban on the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans throughout Katsina State.

 

Authorities explained that the restriction was introduced to prevent fuel supplies from reaching criminal groups operating from forests and remote locations.

 

The government noted that intelligence gathered by security agencies linked the movement of fuel in containers to the sustenance of banditry and other criminal activities in several parts of the state.

 

It stated that cutting off access to fuel would weaken the operational capabilities of armed groups and hinder their activities.

 

In addition, the government ordered the immediate shutdown of all Point of Sale (POS) outlets and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

 

According to the statement, security investigations revealed that some of these facilities were being exploited by criminal elements to conduct financial transactions and maintain communication networks.

 

Officials said the closure forms part of a broader strategy aimed at dismantling support systems that aid the operations of bandits and kidnappers in affected communities.

 

The Executive Order also introduced a ban on the use of motorcycles in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

 

The government explained that motorcycles have frequently been used by bandits and kidnappers to move swiftly within and between communities, making them a preferred means of transportation for criminal activities.

 

Authorities believe restricting motorcycle movement in the affected areas will significantly reduce the mobility of criminal groups and make it more difficult for them to carry out attacks.

 

The state government noted that the measures were focused on locations identified through intelligence reports as having heightened security threats and increased criminal movement.

 

Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, describing security as a top priority for the state government.

 

He assured residents that the government would continue collaborating closely with security agencies to restore peace and strengthen stability across Katsina State.

 

The governor also appealed to residents to support security efforts by strictly adhering to the new directives and cooperating with law enforcement authorities.

 

He encouraged citizens to promptly report suspicious movements and activities within their communities to security agencies, stressing that public participation remains critical to the success of ongoing operations.

 

Radda further warned that violators of the directives would face strict consequences, emphasizing that effective enforcement and community cooperation are essential to achieving the desired results.

 

The government maintained that the latest restrictions are part of wider efforts to dismantle the infrastructure supporting criminal networks and create a safer environment for residents and economic activities throughout the state.

 

It added that the administration remains committed to implementing all lawful and necessary measures to improve security and safeguard communities across Katsina State.