Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has reaffirmed that his administration will not engage in any negotiations with bandits operating across the state, though it remains open to peace initiatives led by local communities.
The governor made this statement on Wednesday during the inauguration of 100 newly recruited members of the Community Watch Corps, C-Watch, in Katsina. He reflected on the launch of the C-Watch programme two years ago, describing it as a bold and uncertain step taken by his then-new administration to tackle insecurity head-on.
He said, “We were a new administration with the arduous task of bringing peace and security to many parts of the state. The only thing I was certain about was my administration’s determination to bring an end to banditry. I campaigned on it, and the trust of the people was not going to be forsaken.
“The headlines say the Katsina State Government was negotiating with bandits, but that was far from reality. I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but always welcome peace.”
Radda clarified that the so-called Katsina Model focuses on community-led peace efforts, allowing residents of affected areas to initiate dialogue with repentant bandits ready to surrender their arms.
He explained that the government’s role is to support such peace efforts while maintaining security and ensuring that communities enjoying peace also benefit from socio-economic development.
Highlighting the success of the initiative, Radda noted that Jibia had recorded eight months without a major attack, while Batsari had enjoyed seven months of peace. He added that other local governments, including Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa, had also seen significant calm.
He emphasized that federal security agencies’ kinetic measures remain essential to maintaining order and warned that criminals who return to violence will face severe consequences.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, commended the governor’s community-based approach, describing it as an effective homegrown solution to insecurity. He revealed that the event marked the third phase of C-Watch training, with the new officers set to be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas.
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