President Bola Tinubu approves the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations in Katsina State, according to multiple Nigerian outlets. Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda announces the approval after a meeting at Government House, Katsina, with Islamic clerics and other stakeholders. Radda says the meeting is part of efforts to address insecurity by involving community partners and obtaining their perspectives on security challenges.
The reports link the move to the state’s ongoing battle with banditry, kidnapping, and cattle rustling across various local government areas. Radda states that investigations indicate some residents may support criminal groups by sharing intelligence, providing logistics, and helping facilitate the sale of stolen livestock. He emphasizes that insecurity cannot be tackled by security agencies alone and calls for wider community sensitisation.
On the forest guards, the governor says the recruits will complement conventional security agencies and community watch groups, especially in forested and remote areas. He adds that the recruits are expected to receive training and equipment to support operations against banditry and kidnapping.
