Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has dismissed claims that foreign terrorists are responsible for the insecurity in Nigeria, describing such narratives as false. In an interview, he insisted that the security challenges are local and called for the establishment of state police to address them effectively.
Security is Local
Governor Radda explained that when he assumed office three years ago, about 24 local government areas in Katsina were under siege, with daily killings and kidnappings. He emphasized that security must be localized and community-based due to the difficult terrain in the state. He noted that remote areas are hard to reach, making it necessary to involve local residents in providing support before security forces arrive.
Establishment of Katsina Community Watch
The governor revealed that his administration set up a security outfit called the Katsina Community Watch, comprising well-trained personnel. They were trained by the military and police and equipped with pump-action rifles, over 70 Hilux vehicles, and 1,500 motorcycles. The outfit also received more than 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) and other gadgets. Radda stated that the Community Watch has been effective in suppressing insecurity, even more so than conventional security forces, though their lack of AK-47 rifles remains a limitation.
Negotiation with Bandits
Governor Radda clarified that he has not and will not negotiate with bandits personally. However, he allowed communities to negotiate peace deals with bandits when they expressed willingness to stop violence. He highlighted that in Jibia, for instance, no killings occurred for one and a half years, and Safana has been peaceful for over a year. He attributed recent breakdowns in peace to local individuals born and raised in the affected areas.
Foreign Terrorists Claim is a Lie
Radda strongly refuted claims that foreign terrorists are behind the insecurity, stating that 95 percent of those perpetuating violence are Nigerians born and bred in the country. He argued that compromise within security agencies and communities exacerbates the problem, as informants often tip off bandits about security operations.
He cited an instance where a bandit leader was aware of the details of a high-level security meeting just minutes after it concluded. The governor also noted that some community leaders are under surveillance by criminals, who track their movements and clothing changes. This level of intelligence, he said, makes it difficult to combat insecurity without community cooperation.
Need for State Police
Governor Radda reiterated the urgent need for state police, arguing that the current legal framework prevents local security outfits from carrying sophisticated weapons. He dismissed fears that governors might abuse state police, noting that a governor serves a maximum of eight years and that misuse could be retaliated against by successors. He pointed out that even a sitting president with control of the military and police can lose an election, so state governors would not necessarily misuse such power.
