The Katsina State Government has unveiled a new set of security measures targeted at disrupting the activities of bandits and kidnappers, including a statewide ban on the sale and transportation of petroleum products in jerrycans.
Governor Dikko Radda announced the measures following an emergency security meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers and key stakeholders, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed.
The directives, contained in an Executive Order, are aimed at cutting off logistical and communication support allegedly used by criminal groups operating across the state.
Under the new measures, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of fuel in jerrycans have been prohibited with immediate effect. The government said the move is intended to prevent petroleum products from finding their way into the hands of bandits hiding in remote areas.
The state government also ordered the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
According to the statement, security assessments revealed that some of these facilities were being exploited by criminal networks to support their operations.
In another major restriction, the government imposed a ban on the use of motorcycles throughout Matazu and Musawa LGAs, citing their frequent use by bandits and kidnappers for movement and attacks.
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The statement quoted the governor as saying that protecting lives and property remains a top priority of his administration and that the government would continue collaborating with security agencies to restore lasting peace across the state.
Governor Radda also appealed to residents to cooperate with security authorities by obeying the new directives and providing useful intelligence that could aid ongoing operations against criminal elements.
He warned that violators of the Executive Order would face strict sanctions, stressing that the government would not tolerate any actions capable of undermining efforts to tackle insecurity.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deploying all lawful measures necessary to secure communities and create an environment conducive to economic and social activities throughout Katsina State.
The latest restrictions come amid continued efforts by authorities to curb the activities of armed groups responsible for attacks, kidnappings and other violent crimes in parts of the North-West region.