Governor Dikko Radda has praised the Federal Government for reinforcing efforts to address insecurity in Katsina State following President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the enlistment and preparation of 1,000 forest security personnel to support safety operations across the state.
The governor described the move as an important intervention that would strengthen existing measures aimed at restoring order, protecting residents, and reclaiming forest areas that have increasingly served as operational bases for armed groups and criminal networks.
Radda made the remarks on Tuesday while hosting a group of religious leaders representing different parts of Katsina State at the Government House.
Speaking during the meeting, the governor said the latest approval reflects the Federal Government’s readiness to collaborate with states facing persistent security threats and demonstrates commitment to securing lives and safeguarding communities.
He thanked President Tinubu for endorsing the initiative, noting that the proposed security operatives would become a key part of efforts to secure forest corridors and vulnerable settlements across the state.
According to Radda, the approval followed a recent engagement with the President, during which discussions focused on practical approaches to strengthening local security capacity.
He explained that the President authorised the recruitment of 1,000 individuals who would operate as dedicated forest security personnel and help prevent criminal activities in difficult-to-access areas.
The governor further disclosed that the Federal Government would oversee their professional training, provide operational equipment, and assume responsibility for their remuneration and welfare packages.
He stated that this support would improve the efficiency and sustainability of the wider security framework being developed to tackle emerging threats across the state.
Radda stressed that the additional personnel are not intended to replace existing security institutions but rather to work alongside conventional agencies and community-based structures already involved in maintaining peace and public safety.
According to him, coordinated efforts among all stakeholders remain essential to confronting challenges such as armed attacks, abductions, and other forms of violent crime that have disrupted normal life in several communities.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining close cooperation with federal authorities, security institutions, traditional rulers, and religious bodies to create a safer environment and promote long-term stability.
He expressed confidence that sustained collaboration and strategic deployment of security resources would gradually reduce criminal activities and restore confidence among residents.
The approval of the forest security initiative comes at a time when both federal and state authorities are increasing actions targeted at regaining control of forest zones and limiting the movement of criminal groups operating across parts of the North-West.
The development has attracted positive reactions from residents and community stakeholders, many of whom believe the recruitment exercise will strengthen security presence, improve protection for rural communities, and contribute to broader peacebuilding efforts across Katsina State.
