During a media chat in Abuja, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State expressed his determination to eliminate bandits in the state. He emphasized that his administration would spare no effort in crushing these hardened criminals. Governor Radda also called for individuals to be allowed to protect themselves by purchasing weapons such as AK-47 and RPG, as he claimed that terrorists freely acquire these weapons in the market.

The governor highlighted the limitations faced by state governors in addressing security challenges. Despite being referred to as chief security officers, they lack the authority to command military forces, police, and other security agencies to deal with security issues in their states. Governor Radda urged the federal government to play a more critical role in ensuring the security of lives and property across the country.

To combat banditry, the Katsina State government has established a legally recognized "community watch corps" in collaboration with the military. Governor Radda revealed the existence of an intelligence unit within the watch corps, which operates discreetly to gather information and monitor the activities of the corps members.

The governor also mentioned that some traditional rulers in the state are under investigation for their alleged connections with bandits. He emphasized that anyone found to be a sponsor or ally of bandits, regardless of their status, would not be spared. Governor Radda stressed the importance of protecting the lives of millions of people and holding accountable those involved in criminal activities.

While acknowledging the challenges faced in terms of limited access to sophisticated weapons, the governor emphasized the determination and zeal of the people to protect themselves. He mentioned the possibility of civilians being supported by armed police and military personnel during outings, similar to the approach taken by the Civilian Joint Task Force in Borno State. Governor Radda expressed the need for reforms within the federal government to address these issues and questioned why individuals seeking self-protection should not be allowed to possess weapons legally.

Regarding negotiations with bandits, the governor stated that it is a no-go area from his perspective. However, he mentioned the possibility of reintegrating bandits into society if they voluntarily surrender their arms. He emphasized that he would not beg bandits for negotiations and instead advocated for dealing with the situation firmly, particularly when the bandits are in a weakened state.

Naijamatta is a social networking site,

download Naijamatta from Google play store or visit www.naijamatta.com to register. You can post, comment, do voice and video call, join and open group, go live etc. Join Naijamatta family, the Green app.