Katsina Governor Reveals Many Terrorists Are Indigenous to the State

In a recent interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State made a startling revelation: the majority of terrorists operating within the state are actually indigenes.

According to the governor, most of these criminals are locals whose families and relatives are well-known within the community. “Most of the perpetrators of banditry are from our own area,” he emphasized. “They are not outsiders. Ninety-something percent of them, we know their fathers, grandfathers, and they are living among us.”

Governor Radda expressed concern over the independence of security agencies, highlighting that as chief security officers, governors do not have direct control over the police or the army, which operate independently of state authority.

To combat this menace, the Katsina government has taken proactive steps by establishing a local security outfit composed of youths from highly affected areas. These young volunteers possess an intimate knowledge of the terrain and the community, making them invaluable in the fight against banditry.

“These boys know the terrain better, they know the people better,” Radda explained. “Local involvement is crucial because these youths can provide us with vital intelligence, identify bandit enclaves, and root out informants living among us who support criminal activities.”

He further stressed that uniting community efforts and leveraging local knowledge are essential components in the broader strategy to restore peace and security in Katsina. “Without this localised approach, it will be difficult to effectively fight insecurity. We are not giving up, and we remain committed to safeguarding our people.”