Radda Approves Ammunition, Key Projects to Tackle Banditry in Katsina

The Katsina State Executive Council has approved the purchase of 5,000 cartons of ammunition for the Community Watch Corps, vigilante groups, and hunters to bolster security efforts against banditry across the state.

The decision was reached during the council’s 14th regular meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda in Katsina.

Commissioner for Information, Dr. Bala Salisu Zango, explained that the initiative is aimed at strengthening cooperation between security agencies and local outfits.
“This initiative strengthens collaboration with our security operatives and enhances public safety, allowing residents to live without fear of banditry,” Zango said.

Other approvals include:

• Procurement of 30-unit hybrid buses to cut transport costs and reduce emissions.
• Construction of the Daura Western Bypass Dual Carriageway, covering 11.43 km, with an additional 3 km spur linking the Daura–Katsina Federal Highway.

On education, Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Hajiya Zainab Musa Musawa, said the council approved solar-powered water systems, instructional materials, science and technical equipment, CCTV cameras, solar streetlights, and backup generators for the Special Model School in Radda. She added that a state of emergency has been declared on primary school infrastructure, with the first phase targeting rehabilitation of 10 dilapidated schools in each of the 34 LGAs.

For women’s empowerment, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hadiza Abubakar Yar’adua, announced rehabilitation and support programmes for widows and vulnerable women affected by banditry. These include skills training and settlement packages to foster self-reliance.

Similarly, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malunfashi, said the Graduate Entrepreneurship Empowerment Programme has been launched to provide soft loans for graduates to start small businesses.

The council also approved the remodeling and automation of the State Executive Council Chamber to upgrade from analogue to digital systems for improved service delivery.

Officials emphasized that the projects align with Governor Radda’s “Building Your Future” agenda, prioritizing security, education, infrastructure, women empowerment, youth entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

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