*Commissions 100 corps for community security
*As Katsina Exco approves projects to empower women, ensure rural economy, others
By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Wednesday, received indigenes of the state who were recently commissioned into the Nigerian Armed Forces after successfully completing their training at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as members of the 72 Regular Course, urging them to uphold honour, discipline, and patriotism.
The newly commissioned officers, who graduated two weeks ago, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Radda at the Government House, Katsina, to express their gratitude for the moral support and encouragement extended to them by the state government throughout their training.
The delegation was led by the Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Congress (NYC), Comrade Muhammad Muhammad Mono.
The young officers who visited the Governor include: Second Lieutenant M. Shittu from Ingawa Local Government Area; Second Lieutenant I. Nasir from Malumfashi; Second Lieutenant M. S. Hamisu from Mai’adua; Second Lieutenant A. S. Ismail from Jibia; Second Lieutenant A. Ibrahim from Safana; Second Lieutenant U. S. Kabiru from Kaita; Flying Officer A. Babangida from Funtua; Flying Officer A. B. Zakari Ya’u from Katsina; Second Lieutenant A. M. Bala from Musawa; Second Lieutenant S. Abubakar from Kankia; Second Lieutenant I. A. Mani from Mani; Second Lieutenant K. I. Sambo from Malumfashi; Sub-Lieutenant S. I. Sule from Daura; and Pilot Officer K. D. Kabir from Kafur Local Government Area.
In his remarks, Governor Radda congratulated the young officers for completing one of the most rigorous and prestigious military training programmes in Nigeria. He described their commissioning as a proud moment for Katsina State and a true demonstration of the courage, discipline, and determination that characterize the Katsina spirit.
“I am extremely proud of you all. You have gone through intense military training and proven your strength, courage, and character. What you have achieved today is not only for yourselves but also for every son and daughter of Katsina who believes in service, sacrifice, and honour,” he said.
Governor Radda emphasized that their new role in the Armed Forces comes with immense responsibility to serve the nation with loyalty, professionalism, and humanity.
The Governor added: “The uniform you wear represents the soul of our country. It symbolizes courage, unity, and sacrifice. Wherever duty calls you, remember that you are ambassadors of Katsina State — a land known for integrity, discipline, and patriotism. Let your conduct reflect those values at all times.”
He further reminded the young officers of Katsina’s proud military heritage, citing the legacies of distinguished sons of the state such as the late General Hassan Usman Katsina, the late General Muhammadu Buhari, and the late General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua, whom he described as men of honour, courage, and national service.
Governor Radda advised the young officers to “follow in their footsteps. Let your names and careers reflect the greatness of our state and the values of loyalty and integrity they embodied.”
He also admonished the officers to fear God in all their duties, noting that true service to the nation must be guided by sincerity, humility, and accountability before God and humanity.
“In every assignment, let truth and justice guide your actions. Always remember that service to the nation is service to God. Be humble, remain disciplined, and never allow the privilege of your uniform to lead to arrogance or abuse of power,” he cautioned.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to youth development, Governor Radda said the government would continue to create platforms for young people to explore their potential, develop leadership qualities, and embrace national service.
“Our administration believes in nurturing a generation of disciplined, patriotic, and productive citizens. Your success today reflects what Katsina youths can achieve when given the right support and mentorship,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Youth Congress, Comrade Muhammad Mono, thanked the Governor for his unwavering support and encouragement toward youth empowerment in the state.
On behalf of the newly commissioned officers, Lieutenant Usman Abdullahi expressed appreciation to Governor Radda for his continuous moral support and mentorship, assuring that they would remain loyal, disciplined, and committed to serving the nation with pride.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Nasir Mamman, senior government officials, representatives of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and members of the Nigeria Youth Congress.
Insecurity: Katsina Governor commissions 100 corps for community security
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned 100 new officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), bringing the security initiative’s coverage to 20 out of 34 Local Government Areas in the state.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the 3rd Batch of C-Watch officers held on Wednesday, Governor Radda reflected on his administration’s steady journey toward restoring lasting peace across Katsina State.
“When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and the uncertainty was high. We were a new administration with the arduous task of bringing peace and security to many parts of the state,” Governor Radda said.
According to him, “the only thing I was certain of was my administration’s determination to bring an end to banditry in Katsina State. I campaigned on it, and the trust of the people was not going to be forsaken.”
The newly graduated officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas, with 50 officers assigned to each. Dutsin-Ma, which borders Safana, Danmusa, and Matazu, remains one of the epicentres of banditry in the state.
“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,” Governor Radda declared.
He explained that the “Katsina Model” is a fully community-driven approach, allowing members of affected communities to initiate and negotiate peace pacts with repentant bandits who agree to lay down their arms.
“The role of the state government is to encourage and support the peace process while maintaining law and order in these communities. Our focus is to ensure that communities that enjoy peace also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,” he said.
Governor Radda highlighted the success of the community peace accord initiative, noting that Jibia has enjoyed eight months without a major attack, while Batsari has recorded seven months of uninterrupted peace. Other local governments — Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa — have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the initiative.
Governor Radda reaffirmed that kinetic measures by federal security agencies remain vital to Katsina’s overall security architecture.
“This ceremony is proof that the state government will not relent in fighting insecurity and banditry wherever they exist. Those who wish to return to crime will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Police for their strong collaboration with the state government, noting that synergy with federal agencies has improved intelligence sharing, response times, and coordinated operations.
Governor Radda also praised traditional and religious leaders for their vital roles in conflict resolution and community unity.
“You are entrusted not only with maintaining security but also with representing the shared goals of a peaceful and prosperous Katsina State. It is essential to uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights at all times,” he charged the new officers.
The Community Watch Corps was launched over two years ago as part of the administration’s broader strategy to combat insecurity through community participation.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said Governor Radda has greatly reduced insecurity in the state.
“No doubt, he saw, he analyzed, and he conquered using a homegrown initiative of community approach where young able men from their various communities were selected, screened, trained, and deployed to serve as the first line of defense to their mothers, fathers, wives, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends,” the Commissioner said.
Dr. Nasir further noted that this marks the third phase of the C-Watch training — after the first in October 2023 and the second in November 2024.
Also speaking, Major General Junaidu Bindawa (Rtd), Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (CWC), said the recruits underwent intensive training in minor tactics, weapon handling, communication, arrests, community policing, rules of engagement, and intelligence gathering. The goal, he said, was to make them disciplined, professional, and community-focused.
General Bindawa emphasized that the trainees were not trained to create problems but to solve them. They are to work closely with other security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, and always operate within the law and in the interest of peace.
He also identified areas for improvement, especially in command and control — from the lowest level to the state headquarters — to ensure proper coordination and accountability.
He recalled that the Katsina State Community Watch Corps Law, signed by Governor Radda on September 6, 2023, provides a solid legal foundation for the corps. He said the new phase would focus on discipline, professionalism, and community trust.
General Bindawa commended the 34 local government chairmen and communities from which the officers were selected, assuring them that the new recruits are well-prepared to protect lives and property with honesty and respect.
He revealed that the Standing Management Committee, under his chairmanship, has held its first meeting with all members, including local government chairmen and security representatives. Several sub-committees have been created to identify challenges and make recommendations to strengthen the corps’ operations. Most of these sub-committees, he added, have completed their work and will soon submit reports for implementation.
He urged security agencies to continue supporting and guiding the new officers to perform effectively and build trust within their communities.
General Bindawa thanked Governor Radda for his unwavering trust and support, describing him as a visionary leader with a firm commitment to community security. He also appreciated the Department of State Services (DSS) for their professionalism, support, and collaboration before, during, and after the training.
He revealed that following Katsina’s success, his team has been invited to train similar community watch outfits in Zamfara and Kano States, making Katsina a model for community policing in the region.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the representative of the Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, ably represented by Hon. Abduljalal Haruna, Member representing Safana and Deputy Speaker; members of the State House of Assembly; local government chairmen; and permanent secretaries.
Others in attendance included the Katsina State Commissioner of Police; Director of the DSS; Commander of the Nigerian Air Force; Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); representative of the NDLEA; Commandant of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Katsina Command; representatives of the Katsina and Daura Emirates; Commandant of the VIO; Commandant of KCWC, Katsina; representative of the Nigerian Army; Executive Secretary of SUBEB; representatives of the state service chiefs; as well as other top government officials from both the federal and Katsina State governments.
Katsina Exco approves projects to empower women, ensure rural economy, others
The Katsina State Executive Council has approved key policies and projects to empower women, modernize markets, improve water supply, and strengthen the rural economy.
Wednesday’s Executive Council meeting was presided over by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.
The Council approved a fresh set of strategic projects and policies aimed at empowering women, expanding access to clean water, modernizing markets, supporting displaced persons, and strengthening the state’s agricultural and housing infrastructure.
The decisions, which align with Governor Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda for inclusive growth and sustainable livelihoods, were reached during the 15th Regular Council Meeting at the Upper Chamber of the General Muhammadu Buhari House, Katsina.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, a delegation of commissioners led by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, included Bashir Gambo Saulawa (Commissioner for Water Resources), Yusuf Haruna Jirdede (Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism), Alhaji Abdullahi Ibrahim Tsiga (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development), and Malam Murtala Daura (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs).
The team outlined the Council’s key resolutions and highlighted their anticipated impact on communities across the state.
The Commissioner for Water Resources announced the Council’s approval for the completion of the Zobe Dam Phase 1B Project, which will provide potable water to Dutsin-Ma, Kankia, Charanchi, Rimi, Batagarawa, and Katsina Local Government Areas.
He described the decision as “a historic milestone that will bring lasting relief to thousands of households.”
“Once completed, this project will deliver clean and reliable water to more communities and improve living standards across the state,” he added.
The Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, and Tourism revealed that the Council approved a phased rehabilitation and modernization of major community markets across all 34 Local Government Areas.
He explained that at least one market in each senatorial zone will be upgraded to international standards, saying: “This initiative will boost commerce, expand local trade, and create new economic opportunities for traders and entrepreneurs at the grassroots level.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, disclosed that the Council approved the procurement of nine heavy-duty earth-moving machines to support the construction, rehabilitation, and dredging of irrigation dams across the 361 wards of the state.
“These machines will enhance irrigation farming, increase productivity, and promote food security in Katsina,” he emphasized.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, announced the approval of a large-scale Women Empowerment Programme targeting 14,450 women involved in small-scale businesses and traditional livelihoods across the 34 Local Government Areas.
“This initiative aims to strengthen women’s economic independence, boost household incomes, and stimulate rural economic growth,” he said.
Prof. Al-Amin Mohammed, Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change, also briefed journalists on Katsina’s recent achievements in climate governance.
He revealed that Katsina State ranked 7th out of 275 sub-national governments in Africa and 2nd in Nigeria during a continental climate performance assessment held in Ethiopia — a remarkable leap from its 25th position last year.
“This recognition is a testament to Governor Radda’s commitment and foresight in driving home-grown climate action and sustainable policies,” he noted.
Dr. Zango, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, further announced the Council’s approval for a review of the existing policy on private schools, following consultations with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS), Katsina State Chapter.
He said: “The reviewed policy will ensure fairness, quality assurance, and stronger collaboration between the government and private education stakeholders,” noting that the approval came during the symbolic 15th Executive Council Meeting held on the 15th of October.
“The Council also approved the adoption of the Katsina State IDP Policy and State Action Plan on Durable Solutions for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), providing a clear framework for protecting, rehabilitating, and reintegrating displaced persons while restoring their dignity and livelihoods.
“In addition, approval was granted for the construction of a modern housing estate along the New Eastern Bypass and within the low-density layout behind the Nigerian Air Force Base, Katsina, to promote urban expansion and improve residential infrastructure.”
Dr. Zango reaffirmed that “all these approvals reflect Governor Radda’s vision of transforming Katsina into a model state built on innovation, inclusiveness, and resilience.
“These decisions reaffirm the government’s commitment to empowering communities, strengthening the economy, and ensuring that development reaches every corner of the state,” he concluded.
“All the approved projects form an integral part of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s Building Your Future blueprint — a comprehensive roadmap for security, infrastructure renewal, women and youth empowerment, and sustainable community development.”
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