Katsina gov, DSS DG seek collaboration to tackle N’West insecurity

Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Oluwatosin Ajayi, have urged for enhanced collaboration among security agencies, government institutions, and communities to combat terrorism and banditry in Nigeria's North-West.

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When we came on board, about 26 local government areas were under constant attack.

Speaking at the second North-West Zonal Conference of State Directors of Security in Katsina, themed “Unite Against Terror,” Governor Radda, represented by his deputy, Malam Faruk Jobe, emphasized the need for a coordinated response to the region's security challenges. He noted that Katsina has seen significant security improvements through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches. Radda stated that when his administration took office, 26 local government areas were under constant attack, but the state has since achieved improved stability.

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I would encourage the participants to ensure that we get feedback from the community on how to improve our own situation.

Radda highlighted his administration's investment in non-kinetic measures, such as providing free medical care to banditry victims and prioritizing agriculture to bolster livelihoods. He also stressed the importance of community intelligence and responsible media reporting, cautioning against sensationalism that could inadvertently assist criminals. "I would encourage the participants to ensure that we get feedback from the community on how to improve our own situation," he said, adding that "propaganda is also a form of war" and that security forces' morale needs boosting.

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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.

The DSS Director-General, represented by Kano State Director of Security Husseini Abubakar, echoed the call for a united approach. He described the conference as a crucial opportunity for security stakeholders to review the evolving security situation and develop strategies to counter the threats plaguing the North-West region.

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Security forces need to be encouraged. Their morale needs to be boosted. Not only in terms of elimination, but in terms of the way we approach the issue of insecurity.