Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Radda has inaugurated the 550 recruits in the second batch of the Katsina Community Watch Corps.
The Governor also praised the role of traditional and religious institutions in the fight against insecurity.
During the ceremony, Governor Radda noted, “The role of our traditional and religious institutions cannot be overstated.
“Our traditional leaders are the custodian of our culture and leaders of our communities possess invaluable knowledge to the local dynamics and have been fostering mediation and unity.”
Emphasizing the crucial role of traditional and religious institutions, the Governor called upon the new officers to continue engaging with these pillars of the community, leveraging their wisdom and influence to build trust and foster unity.
He asserted “Together, you form a powerful alliance against the forces that seek to disrupt our peace and security.”
Governor Radda commended the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment of the new Community Watch Corps members, emphasizing their crucial role in securing Katsina’s communities.
“Your courage and sense of responsibility are truly commendable. We are filling a vital gap that requires unwavering dedication, and for that, we are deeply grateful,” the Governor stated.
Reiterating the government’s vision of a community-driven approach to crisis management, Governor Radda highlighted the strategic shift from a purely kinetic focus to a non-kinetic, collaborative strategy.
“The government believes that the most effective way to secure our communities is through active participation and collaboration.
This community-driven approach is not just a strategy, but a vision to empower our people to take ownership of their safety and well-being,” he explained.
The Governor praised the remarkable successes achieved over the past year, including a significant decrease in crime rates in areas where the Community Watch Corps have been active. “Communities that were once gripped by fear are now experiencing peace and stability. This is a testament to what we can achieve through united efforts,” he said.
The Governor expressed deepest condolences to the loved ones who have lost their life in the fight against insecurity. “All agencies have suffered casualties and may Almighty Allah have mercy on their souls,” he prayed.
Governor Radda urged the graduates to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights, serving as ambassadors of the state’s collective aspiration for peace and prosperity.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, highlighted that 550 Community Watch Corps Members were recruited from vulnerable local government areas including Charanchi, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Musawa, Matazu, Malumfashi, Kafur, Bakori, Funtua, and Danja. He emphasized that the training program demonstrated Governor Radda’s commitment to fostering peace, economic growth, and prosperity in Katsina State.
The Katsina State Commissioner of Police, Aliyu Abubakar Musa, representing the State Security Forum, commended Governor Radda for his continued support of security agencies in fulfilling their responsibilities.
ACG Babangida Abdullahi, Commander of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps Training Institute, and Major General Junaidu Bindawa rtd, Chairman of the Recruitment Committee, jointly expressed gratitude for the Governor’s steadfast dedication to combating banditry and other security challenges. General Bindawa further detailed that the training curriculum encompassed community policing, intelligence gathering, and combat equipment handling.