Katsina State Reiterates Its Stand On Non-Negotiation With Criminals

By Akinwale Kasali

The Governor Dikko Umar Radda-led Katsina State Government has reiterated its stand on not negotiating with criminals, bandits,  terrorists or any group related to causing unrest in the State.

Governor Radda stated that his Government is committed to protecting the lives and properties of its people, and is ready to do anything humanly possible to bring this to fulfillment.

Nasiru Muazu-Danmusa, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, who spoke on behalf of the Governor in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Wednesday reiterated the determination of the State Government to bring an end to banditry and other security challenges in the State.

Muazu-Danmusa also said that the State Government was taking the necessary measures to enable the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the state to return to their respective communities.

He said that the inauguration of the Community Security Watch Corps (KCSWC) by Gov. Dikko Radda on October 10 was an indicator of the commitment and determination to restore lasting peace in the state.

The Commissioner said, ”I think Katsina State has the highest number of IDPs in the North-West as a result of insecurity.

“However, we are making efforts to reverse the negative narrative by putting in place excellent strategies that will address the problem.”

Muazu-Danmusa said that the Government has benchmarked the salaries of the agency’s operatives on the basis of the National Minimum Wage.

“We are constructing their offices, providing them with patrol vehicles, motorcycles, weapons, and gadgets, among others, for their effective operations.

“So, we are going in tandem with the provisions of the constitution in providing them with all these things,” he said.

He added that the corps was committed to the call to sacrifice their best for their people and communities.

“The members of the corps are indigenes of their respective communities; they have been at the forefront of the fight against the terrorists; they are familiar with the terrain and have agreed to protect their people.”

He expressed optimism that, with the fervent prayers of the people, the operation would be successful.

Muazu-Danmusa also urged the public to intensify efforts to provide credible intelligence information to security agents to enable them to effectively nip crimes in the bud.