Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has dismissed reports that his administration is negotiating with bandits, insisting that the state government remains committed to achieving peace through community-led initiatives, not through talks with criminals.
Radda made the statement while inaugurating 100 new officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch) during a passing-out ceremony for the third batch of recruits in Katsina. The officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma local government areas, two of the communities affected by insecurity.
“The headlines say the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality. I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome peace,” he said.
He explained that the so-called “Katsina Model” empowers local communities to drive peace efforts by engaging repentant bandits willing to surrender, while the state only provides support and ensures law and order.
“Our focus is to ensure that communities that enjoy peace also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,” he added.
The governor said the community peace accord had already brought results, noting that Jibia had gone eight months without a major attack and Batsari had recorded seven months of calm. Other council areas such as Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa had also witnessed improved security, he said.
“When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, but my administration was determined to bring an end to banditry in Katsina State. I campaigned on it, and the trust of the people will not be forsaken,” he said.
Radda commended the Nigerian Air Force, Army, and Police for working closely with the state government, saying their partnership had improved intelligence sharing and joint operations.
He warned that those who return to crime would face the full force of the law and urged the new officers to uphold professionalism and respect for human rights.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, praised the initiative, describing it as a “homegrown, community-based approach” that empowers young people to defend their communities.
The chairman of the C-Watch Standing Committee, Maj. Gen. Junaidu Bindawa (retd.), said the new recruits were trained in weapon handling, community policing, and intelligence gathering. He, however, called for better command coordination to improve accountability and control.
