Gov Radda Reiterates No Negotiation With Bandits, Expands Community Watch Corps to 20 LGAs

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda, has reaffirmed that his administration will not negotiate with bandits, emphasizing that the government’s goal is to achieve genuine and sustainable peace across the state.

Radda made this known during the inauguration of 100 new officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), expanding the security outfit’s operations to 20 of Katsina’s 34 local government areas.

Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the third batch of C-Watch officers in Katsina, the governor dismissed recent reports suggesting a peace meeting between bandits and state officials, describing them as false.

“The headlines claim the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is untrue. I have always maintained that this administration will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome genuine peace,” Radda said.

He restated his administration’s commitment to ending banditry through what he described as the “Katsina Model” — a community-driven strategy that empowers affected communities to engage with repentant bandits who voluntarily lay down their arms.

According to Radda, the state government’s role is to support and sustain these peace efforts while ensuring law and order, adding that communities enjoying peace would also receive socio-economic benefits to improve their livelihoods.

He cited the success of the community peace accord initiative, noting that Jibia had experienced eight months without a major attack, while Batsari had enjoyed seven months of uninterrupted peace. Other local government areas — including Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa — have also recorded relative calm.

Radda explained that the Community Watch Corps was established to combat insecurity and entrench peace in the state. “When we launched the Corps over two years ago, we faced uncertainty. But our determination to end banditry and justify the people’s trust has remained unwavering,” he said.

The newly graduated 100 officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma local government areas, with 50 officers assigned to each. Dutsin-Ma, one of the state’s banditry hotspots, borders Safana, Danmusa, and Matazu LGAs.

The governor stressed that kinetic operations by federal security agencies remain a crucial part of Katsina’s overall security strategy. “This ceremony is proof that we will not relent in fighting insecurity wherever it exists. Those who return to crime will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.

Radda commended the Nigerian Air Force, Army, and Police for their strong collaboration with the state government, noting that the partnership has enhanced intelligence sharing, rapid response, and coordinated operations.

He also charged the new officers to uphold professionalism and human rights in their duties, saying: “You represent our shared goal of a peaceful and prosperous Katsina. Integrity and discipline must guide your service.”

The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, praised the governor’s community-based approach, describing it as a “homegrown solution” that mobilizes young men to protect their communities.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the State Community Watch Corps Standing Committee, Maj. Gen. Junaidu Bindawa (retd), said the recruits received intensive training in tactics, weapon handling, communication, community policing, and intelligence gathering.

Bindawa, however, noted that command and control structures at all levels must be further strengthened to enhance coordination and accountability.