Katsina Bans POS, Public Phone Charging, ‘Black-market’ Fuel Sale To Stop Banditry

The government of Katsina State has announced fresh security measures aimed at curbing banditry, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.

Naija News reports that the new measures by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s government include a statewide ban on the sale and transportation of fuel in jerrycans, as well as restrictions on activities believed to be aiding criminal networks.

The directives were contained in an Executive Order issued after an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed.

According to the statement, the meeting was convened to assess the security situation across the state and adopt stronger measures to disrupt the operations of bandits and kidnappers.

Under the new directive, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been prohibited across Katsina State with immediate effect.

The government said the decision was taken to prevent fuel from being diverted to bandits and other criminal elements operating in forests and remote hideouts.

The statement explained that intelligence reports had linked the movement of fuel in containers to the sustenance of criminal activities in parts of the state.

It added that the governor considered the restriction necessary to cut off supplies to armed groups and weaken their operational capacity.

As part of the security measures, the state government also ordered the immediate closure of all Point of Sale businesses and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

The statement said security assessments indicated that some of the facilities were being exploited by criminal networks to facilitate communication and financial transactions.

The government maintained that the closure was part of broader efforts to dismantle support structures used by bandits and kidnappers in affected communities.

The Executive Order also imposed a ban on the use of motorcycles in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

According to the statement, the restriction is expected to limit the movement of bandits and kidnappers, who often rely on motorcycles to move within and between communities.

“Authorities believe the restriction will hamper the mobility of bandits and kidnappers, who frequently rely on motorcycles to move within and between communities,” the statement said.

The government said the measures were targeted at areas where intelligence reports had shown heightened security risks and increased movement of criminal groups.

Governor Radda reiterated that the protection of lives and property remained the foremost responsibility of his administration.

He assured residents that the state government would continue to work closely with security agencies to restore peace and stability across Katsina.

The governor also called on citizens to support ongoing security operations by complying fully with the new directives.

He urged residents to provide useful and timely information to security agencies whenever they notice suspicious movements or activities in their communities.

Radda warned that anyone found violating the Executive Order would face strict sanctions.

The governor stressed that the government would not treat defaulters with leniency, adding that the success of the new measures would depend on public cooperation and firm enforcement by relevant authorities.

“These latest measures form part of broader efforts to dismantle support structures for criminal groups and create a safer environment for residents and economic activities throughout the state,” the statement added.

The government said it remained committed to adopting all lawful measures necessary to protect communities and strengthen security across Katsina State.