Katsina: Governor Radda’s commitment, over N10bn investment in security commendable – Arewa group

A prominent group in North-west region, Arewa New Frontiers (ANF) has called on all the states in the North-west to emulate Katsina State government by establishing a community watch corps model after the Katsina Community Watch Corps in tackling insecurity in their respective states.

Since its establishment by Governor Dikko Radda led administration, the group said the Community Watch Corps had neutralized notorious terrorist leader identified as Sani Waka Burki and his foot soldiers terrorizing Safana and Batsari LGAs, adding that the Corps equally intercepted a commercial vehicle carrying a cache of ammunition in Batsari, among other successes.

Addressing a press conference Sunday in Abuja, in commemoration of its one year since its establishment, the General Secretary of the Arewa New Frontier, Mohammed Ibn Abdulsalam, said the initiative by Malam Radda’s administration has become a model for other states.

According to Abdulsalam, the Governor’s commitment is not mere rhetoric; it is backed by unprecedented investment in security infrastructure.

“The procurement of 10 armoured personnel carriers, 61 branded Hilux vehicles, 700 motorcycles, and advanced surveillance equipment worth over N10 billion demonstrates his resolve to spare no resource in protecting our people. This is leadership in action, not mere promises. Governor Radda is better described as a ‘Talk and Do Leader.’

“In a masterstroke of administrative efficiency, His Excellency established the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs. This creates a dedicated institution to coordinate security responses across all 34 local government areas. This strategic decision has significantly improved response times and enhanced coordination among the conventional security agencies and the state initiatives.

“It is worthy of note that the multi-faceted approach adopted by Governor Radda, including the establishment of the Hisbah Board and the Committee on Encroached Cattle Routes and Grazing Reserves, shows his deep understanding of the complex nature of our security challenges. The Governor is not just addressing immediate security threats but also strategically fighting the underlying causes of conflict. That’s Governor Radda, and that’s a demonstration of remarkable wisdom in governance.”

While commending Governor Radda for the initiative, the Northern group revealed that 1,466 well-trained personnel already deployed and an additional 500 members being trained for the most affected local government areas.

The group added: “What is particularly commendable is how His Excellency has transformed the security architecture from a reactive to a proactive model. The Joint Security Operations Communications Centre has turned around our intelligence gathering and response capabilities, enabling us to prevent attacks before they occur. From 22 local government areas being under severe security threat, we are witnessing a steady decline in criminal activities. Now, the security threats have been reduced to three local governments.

“The results are clear for all to see. Markets are reopening, farmers are returning to their fields, and our children can once again attend school without fear. While we acknowledge that there is still work to be done, we must commend Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for his courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to securing Katsina State.

“His achievements in just this short period give us confidence that together we shall overcome these challenges. Together, we shall build the future of Katsina State. Together, we shall restore lasting peace to our beloved state.”