Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned 100 new officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), expanding the security initiative’s presence to 20 out of the state’s 34 local government areas.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the third batch of C-Watch officers held on Wednesday, Governor Radda reflected on his administration’s continued efforts to restore peace and stability across the state.
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“When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and the uncertainty was high. But one thing was clear — our determination to end banditry in Katsina State,” Radda said.
He reaffirmed that his government would not negotiate with bandits, contrary to reports suggesting otherwise.
“The headlines say the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality. I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome peace,” he declared.
Governor Radda explained that the “Katsina Model” is a community-driven peace approach that empowers local communities to initiate peace discussions with repentant bandits who voluntarily surrender. The state government, he said, only provides support and oversight to ensure law and order.
“Our focus is to ensure that communities that enjoy peace also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,” the governor added.
The newly commissioned officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas — both strategic communities prone to banditry — with 50 officers assigned to each.
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Highlighting the progress made under the initiative, Radda noted that Jibia has recorded eight months of uninterrupted peace, while Batsari has enjoyed seven months without major attacks. Other areas such as Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa have also witnessed relative calm.
He emphasized that the efforts of the Community Watch Corps complement the kinetic operations of federal security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Police, whose collaboration with the state government has strengthened intelligence sharing and response coordination.
The governor commended traditional and religious leaders for their roles in fostering peace and charged the new officers to uphold professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights.
Earlier, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, commended Governor Radda for transforming the state’s security landscape through a homegrown, community-based approach.
He said the newly graduated officers mark the third batch of recruits since the initiative’s launch, following previous training exercises in October 2023 and November 2024.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, Major General Junaidu Bindawa (Rtd), said the new officers were trained in tactics, weapon handling, intelligence gathering, and community policing. He emphasized that their mission is to maintain peace, not create conflict, and to work closely with the Nigeria Police Force and other agencies.
General Bindawa reaffirmed that the Katsina State Community Watch Corps Law, signed in September 2023, provides a strong legal framework for the initiative, which has now become a model for community policing in other states.
He revealed that Katsina’s successful model has attracted interest from Zamfara and Kano States, whose governments have invited Katsina’s team to share training and operational expertise.
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The event was attended by top government officials, members of the State House of Assembly, heads of security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders.