A confidential high-level meeting focused on security, governance, and development, convened by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda on Sunday, concluded with unanimous endorsement of the administration’s comprehensive anti-banditry initiatives and broad reform programs.
The government released a statement following the gathering at Government House, Katsina, highlighting the attendance of prominent political education-minister-over-alleged-sack-of-varsities-vcs/” title=”Reps invite … minister over alleged sack of varsities’ VCs”>leaders, security experts, traditional authorities, scholars, and business executives. The group convened to evaluate progress, identify ongoing obstacles, and devise strategies for sustainable peace.
As outlined in the communiqué signed by Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, Commissioner for Information and Culture, and Maiwada Dammallam, Director-General of the Media Directorate, attendees praised Governor Radda’s forward-thinking leadership and significant accomplishments across security, infrastructure, education, agriculture, and healthcare sectors.
Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe presented a detailed overview of the “Building Your Future” initiative, highlighting key achievements such as the creation of 35,903 jobs spanning education, community policing, and local government roles. The ₦74.9 billion Urban Renewal Project, covering Daura, Funtua, and Katsina, included extensive road expansions and rural infrastructure improvements. The education sector witnessed a transformation with 160 newly constructed classrooms, 258 renovations, training programs for 18,000 teachers, and ₦6.18 billion awarded in scholarships benefiting 174,451 students.
Further, the administration bolstered agricultural productivity by distributing 400,000 bags of subsidized fertilizer annually, deploying 400 tractors, and launching a goat-rearing initiative aimed at empowering women. Healthcare enhancements included the establishment of 260 primary health centers at the ward level, new dialysis and diagnostic facilities, and pharmaceutical manufacturing plants.
Addressing security concerns, Dr. Nasiru Muazu, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, reported that banditry, previously confined to five local government areas, had expanded to 25 following the breakdown of the 2015 amnesty program.
He outlined the government’s multifaceted response, which involved recruiting Community Watch Corps members, vigilantes, and volunteers; utilizing drones and patrol vehicles; and coordinating joint operations with the Army, Police, DSS, and Civil Defence forces.
The statement emphasized that peace accords in Dan Musa, Jibia, Batsari, Kankara, Kurfi, and Musawa were driven entirely by local communities, with traditional leaders engaging repentant bandits independently of government intervention.
Between January and August 2025, 628 victims of bandit attacks received medical care, and key highways were reopened to restore connectivity and commerce.
Governor Radda, responding to the discussions, reiterated that security remains his administration’s foremost priority, alongside advancing education, agriculture, healthcare, support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and enhancing revenue streams.
He unveiled plans to construct 152 housing units for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Jibia, complemented by business development packages, livestock provisions, and industrial equipment aimed at facilitating the reintegration of former combatants.
The confidential meeting attracted a distinguished assembly of Katsina and national dignitaries, including former Governor Aminu Bello Masari, veteran Senator Abu Ibrahim, prominent businessman Alhaji Dahiru Barau Mangal, the Emir of Daura Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, alongside ministers, senators, retired military chiefs, senior academics, and leaders from labor unions, civil society, and the private sector.
The communiqué concluded with a collective commitment from all stakeholders to collaborate with the government in addressing youth unrest, substance abuse, and other criminal activities, while maintaining and strengthening grassroots security frameworks credited with recent successes against banditry.
