Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda, has announced plans to provide 152 homes for internally displaced persons in Jibia Local Government Area and distribute industrial tools, cattle, and business support packages to repentant bandits to discourage a relapse into violence.
The initiative was contained in a statement jointly signed on Monday by the Commissioner of Information and Culture, Salisu Zango, and the Director-General, Media to the Governor, Maiwada DanMallam, following a stakeholders’ meeting held on Sunday in Katsina.
“The governor announced plans for 152 IDP homes in Jibia for displaced families, plus business support packages, cattle, and industrial tools for repentant individuals preventing violence relapse,” part of the statement read.
According to the statement, the stakeholders’ meeting drew elders, royal fathers, religious leaders, former service chiefs, and prominent sons and daughters of Katsina from home and abroad, who came together to assess achievements, review challenges, and chart strategies for lasting peace and progress.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, delivered a presentation titled “The Trend and Dynamics of Banditry, Kidnapping and Cattle Rustling in Katsina State: Community Participation as a Panacea.”
He explained that insecurity in the state has been driven by “greed, envy, natural resource conflicts due to climate change, and long-standing social injustices.”
The commissioner further revealed: “Banditry spread from five LGAs (2011–2015) to 25 LGAs following the collapse of the amnesty programme (2015–2023). However, the present government response included recruiting and training Community Watch Corps, vigilantes, and volunteers, procuring vehicles, firearms, drones, and equipment, plus launching joint operations with the Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence.”
Clarifying misconceptions, Muazu stressed: “The government doesn’t initiate peace agreements – they’re entirely community-driven. Local leaders and communities engaged repentant bandits, leading to peace deals in Dan Musa, Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa LGAs.”
He said, “Between January and August 2025, 628 attack victims received medical treatment while major highways reopened. Despite progress, challenges persist around weapon, food, drug, and fuel supply lines to bandits, plus community informants. However, combining community policing strategies with sustained security operations has forced many bandit leaders to voluntarily seek peace.”
In his remarks, Governor Radda said he welcomed constructive feedback but maintained that security remained the top priority of his administration.
“I acknowledge criticisms while emphasising openness to constructive feedback. Security tops our development blueprint alongside education, agriculture, health, MSME support, and revenue generation,” he said.
The governor commended Muazu for his dedication and “innovative strategies and tangible anti-banditry results,” while also praising the Community Watch Corps, vigilantes, and volunteers for strengthening security and “renewing hope for lasting peace.”
The gathering praised Radda’s leadership and achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and security, and pledged continued collaboration in tackling youth restiveness, drug abuse, and related crimes.
Those in attendance included former Governor Aminu Bello Masari; elder statesman Senator Abu Ibrahim; business mogul Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal; Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk; Senator Ibrahim Ida, the Wazirin Katsina; and Senator Hadi Sirika.
