Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has firmly stated that the government will not engage in negotiations with bandits operating in the state. Instead, the government will adopt a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to put an end to this menace. Speaking during a recent visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, Governor Radda emphasized the significance of the Community Security Watch initiative launched by the state government, which has successfully recruited locals from the areas affected by banditry.
Governor Radda expressed the state government’s commitment to bolstering the capabilities of the military and other security agencies in order to carry out joint operations that will effectively combat the insecurity plaguing the state. He highlighted that the previous administration’s approach of negotiating with bandits had failed to produce the desired outcomes, stating, “We feel that we have to use kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to address the issue. For now, we cannot negotiate with the bandits at a point of disadvantage.”
Furthermore, Governor Radda asserted that he would only consider negotiations with the bandits when they are under significant pressure, prompting them to voluntarily express their willingness to engage in discussions. Once this occurs, the governor believes they can be reintegrated into society. The purpose of his visit to the Defence Headquarters was to reinforce the existing collaboration between the state and the military.
Governor Radda acknowledged the crucial role played by the military in reducing insecurity not only in Katsina State but also in the entire nation. Stressing the importance of collaboration with the military and other security agencies, he emphasized that it is the only viable path towards resolving the prevailing security challenges faced by the state. “Working together, we can implement measures that alleviate the impact on our people and enable them to engage in their economic activities, as guaranteed by the Constitution,” Governor Radda added.
In response, Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, lauded the efforts of the state government in addressing security challenges through initiatives such as the community watch program. He encouraged the governor to foster cooperation with his counterparts in neighboring states, emphasizing the necessity of a unified front against insecurity. Gen. Christopher Musa assured the governor of the armed forces’ commitment to collaborating with the state government in order to tackle the security challenges in Katsina State and achieve lasting peace.
It is worth mentioning that the military has intensified its operations across all theatres, rendering bandits and terrorists ineffective in numerous areas. The state government’s robust engagement, in combination with the military’s unwavering commitment, holds the promise of a more secure future for Katsina State and its people.
Note: This article is sourced from NAN (News Agency of Nigeria).
