*Laments killing of 130 soldiers, policemen, Security Watch Corps  in war against banditry

The Katsina State government on Monday said that over 130 soldiers, policemen and State-owned  Community Watch Corps (CWC) have been killed in the line of duty of the war against banditry.

State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, who spoke while reacting to social media reports which he said was aimed at causing panic that of the 130, over 100 were were of the State-owned CWC and the over 30 were soldiers and police officers.

According to Dr Muazu: “The Katsina State Government has observed with concern the deliberate attempts by some individuals to create panic and incite fear among residents through the spread of false and misleading information on social media.

“These narratives aim to downplay the significant progress made so far in the fight against banditry and insecurity under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda.”

The Commissioner said when Governor Dikko Radda assumed office in 2023, 24 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the State were affected by banditry, adding however that “with focused strategies and enhanced collaboration with security agencies, notable improvement has been achieved across many parts of the State.”

Dr Muazu said 11 LGAs, including Jibia, Batsari, Danmusa, Katsina, Batagarawa, Charanchi, Bindawa, Ingawa, Kafur, Danja, Kusada have been largely insulated from banditry attacks, while nine which includes Malumfashi, Kurfi, Dutsinma, Kankia, Musawa, Bakori, Funtua, Sabuwa, Dandume have improved security with “few remote pockets of insecurity.”

He listed the four LGAs still experiencing attacks as Faskari, Kankara, Safana and Matazu.

“Despite persistent challenges in a few LGAs, the State government is not relenting. Governor Radda remains fully committed to restoring peace and order.

“Even during his recent accident and recovery period, he never stopped engaging with key stakeholders, receiving daily security briefings from senior officers including the Brigade Commander, Commissioner of Police, Director DSS, the Commissioner for Internal Security, Air Force Commander and other key stakeholders.

“It is unfortunate that certain social media voices, rather than support these efforts, continue to spread misinformation for political gain or attention. This not only undermines the sacrifices of our security forces but also weakens community morale,” the Commissioner has said.