President Bola Tinubu has promised to provide Katsina State Government with additional military support, including drones and new security formations, to tackle persistent bandit attacks in the state.

Governor Dikko Umaru Radda disclosed this in an interview with the BBC Hausa Sevice after leading a delegation of Katsina State elders and clerics to the Presidential Villa. The visit followed a recent attack on worshippers in Mantau community, Malumfashi local government area of the State, which left several people dead.

Radda described the repeated assaults as ?a situation that has reached a breaking point,? stressing the need for urgent federal intervention.

He explained that the president made several promises to assist their efforts in combating insurgency in the State.

?President Tinubu pledged to instruct security agencies to change their tactics and strategies in fighting terrorism and assured that more airpower would be deployed, particularly drones capable of carrying out targeted strikes on terrorist hideouts. The president also promised to receive regular briefings from security chiefs on the implementation of his directives,? Radda revealed

The governor further revealed that a new military battalion would be established in Southern part of the State, while additional police outposts for mobile patrols would also be created to strengthen security in the region.

According to Governor Radda, even before the assurances, the federal government had already increased security personnel in the state, a move that contributed to a reduction in attacks. ?Soldiers, police officers, state security outfits, and hunters recruited from Maiduguri have boosted the fight against bandits. Because of these measures, attacks have declined. You may only hear of one person killed here and there, unlike before when dozens were massacred,? he said.

He added that on some days, no attacks were reported at all, a development he described as ?significant progress.?

The governor also highlighted ongoing peace efforts in some communities in Northern Katsina, where local dialogues with bandits have brought temporary relief.

He said areas such as Batsari, Jibia, Danmusa, and Safana LGAs have witnessed fewer attacks as a result.

However, Radda maintained his position that his administration would not negotiate with bandits. ?I have no problem if the bandits themselves seek dialogue with communities or authorities, but I will never sit to negotiate or give them money for peace,? he said.

He stressed that while localized peace has helped in some areas, attacks have intensified in other parts of the state, making federal support crucial in ending the years-long insecurity. (LEADDERSHIP, but headline rejigged)

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