Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has pointed to local informants residing within communities as the primary contributors to insecurity in the state, rather than armed bandits operating from forest enclaves.
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During a special prayer session to mark his second year in office, the governor revealed that intelligence gathered from recent security meetings indicates that between 70 and 80 percent of those behind insecurity are community-based collaborators. The remaining 20 to 30 percent, he noted, are those hiding in the forests.
The informants are said to be responsible for supplying criminal groups with vital items such as drugs, fuel, medical supplies, and assisting in the transfer of ransom payments. This support system, according to the governor, sustains the activities of the bandits.
He emphasized that addressing the security crisis will require a united effort by residents to expose those aiding criminal elements from within.
The governor also attributed the worsening security situation to poor parental responsibility. He expressed concern over the rising trend of men fathering more children than they can properly support, a situation that he believes increases the risk of youth involvement in criminal activities.
He encouraged religious leaders to play a more active role in educating the public on the importance of proper parenting and adherence to lawful behavior.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s determination to crack down on individuals who aid or support banditry, with special attention now being placed on rooting out informants within local communities. He reiterated that governance is a responsibility centered on serving the people, and that defeating insecurity will require deliberate and collective commitment from all citizens.
