Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced new security measures aimed at curbing banditry and kidnapping.

The measures include a statewide ban on the sale and transportation of fuel in jerrycans, as well as fresh restrictions targeting activities believed to aid criminal networks.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the measures were unveiled through an Executive Order issued after an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers, and other critical stakeholders to assess the security situation across the state.

The statement revealed that under the new directives, the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been prohibited throughout Katsina State with immediate effect.

It said the decision was taken to prevent fuel from being diverted to bandits and other criminal elements operating in forests and remote hideouts.

It explained that Governor Radda noted that intelligence reports had linked the movement of fuel in containers to the sustenance of criminal activities, making it necessary for the government to take decisive action to cut off supplies to armed groups.

Similarly, the statement added that, as part of the measures, the state government had ordered the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

It stressed that security assessments indicated that some of the facilities were being used by criminal networks to facilitate communication and financial transactions.

According to the statement, the Executive Order further imposed a ban on the use of motorcycles in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

“Authorities believe the restriction will hamper the mobility of bandits and kidnappers, who frequently rely on motorcycles to move within and between communities,” the statement said.

Governor Radda reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of his administration, assuring residents that the government would continue to work closely with security agencies to restore peace and stability across the state.

The statement added that the governor had also called on citizens to support ongoing security operations by complying fully with the new directives and providing useful information to security agencies whenever necessary.

The governor further warned that violators of the Executive Order would face strict sanctions, stressing that the government would not treat defaulters with leniency.

“These latest measures form part of broader efforts to dismantle support structures for criminal groups and create a safer environment for residents and economic activities throughout the state,” the statement added. (Daily Trust)

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