Katsina: Only genuine repentant bandits will receive support – Gov Radda

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Katsina: Only genuine repentant bandits will receive support – Gov Radda

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has declared that his administration will only offer support to bandits who genuinely repent and seek to reintegrate into society.

He emphasized that no negotiations will be made with criminals who continue to perpetrate violence in the state.

Speaking during a courtesy visit by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, Governor Radda made it clear that peace deals with bandits can only be pursued under certain conditions.

“We can only go into peace deals with the bandits on some laid down conditions to ensure lasting peace,” Governor Radda said.

He emphasized that such negotiations must have the full acceptance and involvement of the affected communities.

The governor further stated that while bandits are originally from within the communities, their actions as criminals cannot be tolerated.

“The bandits are our brothers born within us, but choose to be criminals,” he remarked, stressing that those who genuinely repent and seek to rebuild their lives would find support from his administration.

Governor Radda also assured that the state government would provide resources for the reintegration of repentant bandits, including support for livestock management, enabling them to become productive members of society.

In addition, Governor Radda reiterated Katsina State’s significant investments in security infrastructure, noting that the state had outpaced many others in this regard.

He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the Division and Brigade Commander for their exceptional leadership and dedication in combating insecurity.

“Our farmers can now cultivate their lands and transport their produce to market,” the governor added.

He pointed to the positive outcomes of collaborative security operations involving the Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and the Katsina Community Watch Corps.

Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, who was on his first-quarter operational visit to all states under the 8th Division, commended the progress made in the security situation in the state, particularly the newly launched Operation Safe Northwest.