KATSINNA State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has firmly denied claims that his administration is negotiating with bandits, stressing that his government remains focused on achieving genuine and sustainable peace through community-led security initiatives rather than appeasement.
News Point Nigeria reports that Governor Radda made the clarification during the passing-out ceremony of 100 newly trained officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch) on Tuesday in Katsina, marking the third phase of the recruitment and training exercise.
The latest batch of officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma local government areas, with 50 personnel assigned to each location to reinforce local security operations.
Addressing the gathering, the governor dismissed as “false and misleading” media reports suggesting that the Katsina State Government had entered peace talks with criminal groups.
“The headlines say the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality,” Radda declared.
“I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome peace.”
He reiterated that the administration’s “Katsina Model” focuses on empowering local communities to play a frontline role in restoring security.
According to him, the model allows affected communities to initiate peace pacts with repentant bandits willing to surrender their arms, while the state government’s role is to support, monitor, and sustain the peace process.
“Our focus is to ensure that communities that enjoy peace also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,” Radda said.
Radda highlighted the tangible successes recorded under the initiative, noting that Jibia had experienced eight months without a major attack, while Batsari had recorded seven months of uninterrupted peace.
“Other local governments such as Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the community-led peace accord,” he added.
He assured that while dialogue and community peacebuilding remain crucial, kinetic operations by federal security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Police continue to form the backbone of Katsina’s broader 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,” Radda warned.
The governor explained that the C-Watch initiative, launched two years ago, was a bold step taken at a time of great uncertainty.
“When we launched the Community Watch Corps, we were in uncharted territory,” Radda recalled.
“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 I will not forsake the trust of the people.”
He charged the newly inducted officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and respect for human rights, saying they represent the shared aspiration for a peaceful Katsina.
“You are entrusted not only with maintaining security but with symbolizing the unity and resilience of our communities,” he said.