Insecurity: Katsina gov seeks stronger inter-agency synergies, social interventions
August 13, 2026 6:03 pm
File: Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda.
By Esha Aliku
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, has called for stronger security agency collaboration and increased social and economic interventions to tackle terrorism, banditry and other threats in the North-West zone of the country.
He also advocated for strategic media counter-propaganda to boost the morale of security forces and prevent the undue amplification of banditry.
He made the call on Thursday in the state while declaring open the second North-West Zonal Conference of State Directors of Security organised by the Department of State Services.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Faruk Jobe, said the region’s security challenges require a coordinated response from government, security agencies and communities.
The conference, themed ‘Unite Against Terror,’ brought together security chiefs, traditional rulers, local government representatives, intelligence officers and other stakeholders.
He said the state had moved from persistent killings and kidnappings to improved stability due to stronger collaboration with security agencies, as his administration had invested heavily in non-kinetic measures to address root causes of insecurity.
Radda said Katsina had seen notable improvements in security through combined kinetic and non-kinetic measures, saying, “When we came on board, about 26 local government areas were under constant attack.”
He noted that victims of banditry received free medical care, while agriculture was prioritised to strengthen livelihoods.
Radda urged stronger community intelligence and responsible media reporting, warning against sensationalism that could aid criminals.
“I would encourage the participants to ensure that we get feedback from the community on how to improve our own situation. Part of the measures that we should do, in my own opinion, is that we should embark on propaganda. You know, propaganda is also a form of war.
“Why is it so? Because the morale of our people is very low when it comes to the issue of the way we say so many things about the activities of the bandits. Sometimes, we overstate their approach, their capacity, or whatnot. So, I think we should do it the other way around.
“Security forces need to be encouraged. Their morals need to be improved. Not only in terms of elimination, but in terms of the way we approach the issue of insecurity. Finally, I want to call on the media to support our security initiative. Because today, everybody is a journalist. The way and manner we conduct our affairs need to be re-organised,” the governor appealed.
On his part, the DSS Director-General, Adeola Ajayi, represented by the Chairman, North-West Forum of State Directors of Security and Kano State Director of Security, Husseini Abubakar, called for a united and coordinated approach among security agencies, government institutions and communities to tackle terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities threatening the region.
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