The Katsina State Government says insecurity in the state has dropped by 70 per cent following a new community policing strategy and continued attacks on criminal hideouts.
According to officials, security operatives have also rescued 143 kidnapped victims from different parts of the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, revealed this during a security consultation organized by Governor Dikko Radda.
He explained that the new approach is forcing many bandits to reach out to community leaders to discuss peace.
“Our security strategy has yielded significant results in rescue operations, with 143 kidnap victims freed from frontline and vulnerable local government areas. The breakdown shows 67 victims rescued from Sayaya in Matazu LGA and 76 from Gidan Mantau in Malumfashi LGA,” Mu’azu said.
He added that several bandit enclaves have been destroyed, pushing criminals towards forest areas in Zamfara and Kaduna states.
The Commissioner named some notorious bandit leaders now willing to surrender, including Audu Lankai from Jibia, Abu Radde from Batsari, Ruga Kachalla from Safana, Ummaru Manore from Danmusa, Sani Muhidingi from Kurfi, and Wada from Musawa.
“The improved security situation has led to the reopening of several major roads that were once no-go areas. These include Katsina-Jibia, Katsina-Batsari, Yantumaki-Danmusa, and Danmusa-Musawa routes,” he added.
Mu’azu also said communities have formed monitoring committees that meet daily and review progress monthly to keep security efforts on track.
The announced success comes amidst massive killings and kidnappings if residents in neighbouring Zamfara.
Reports said the same bandit kingpin, Ado Aliero that signed a peace accord in Katsina, led armed fighters to Zamfara on Monday where they kidnapped 40 worshippers and slaughtered a district head.
