Gov Radda Insists Katsina Won’t Negotiate With Bandits, Expands Community Watch Corps
Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has reaffirmed that his administration will never negotiate with bandits but remains open to sincere peace efforts that can restore stability across the state.
The governor made this known on Wednesday while inaugurating 100 new members of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch) in Katsina. He said his government’s mission from the start has been to end insecurity and ensure lasting peace for residents.
“When we launched the C-Watch initiative about two years ago, it was uncharted territory. But one thing was certain — our determination to end banditry,” Radda said. “Some people claim we are negotiating with bandits, but that is far from the truth. The government will not negotiate with criminals, though we will always welcome genuine peace.”
He explained that the Katsina Model focuses on community-led peacebuilding, where affected communities can engage repentant bandits willing to lay down their arms, while the state government provides oversight and support.
“Our goal is to make sure communities that experience peace also enjoy development, so our people can live in safety and dignity,” he added.
Radda said the approach is already producing results, with Jibia recording eight months without a major attack, and Batsari remaining peaceful for seven months. Other areas such as Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa have also reported improved security.
He emphasized that while dialogue plays a role, security operations by federal forces remain essential to keeping the state safe. “Those who choose to return to crime will face the full weight of the law,” the governor warned.
Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, praised Radda’s leadership, saying the community-based model has drastically reduced insecurity in Katsina.
He explained that the event marked the third phase of the C-Watch training, following earlier batches in 2023 and 2024, with the new recruits—50 each—set to be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas.
