By Ado Salisu
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has commissioned 100 new officers of the Community Watch Corps (C-Watch), bringing the security initiative’s coverage to 20 out of 34 local government areas in the state.
Speaking at the passing-out ceremony of the 3rd Batch of C-Watch officers held on Wednesday, Governor Radda reflected on his administration’s steady journey toward restoring lasting peace across Katsina State.
“When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep, and the uncertainty was high. We were a new administration with the arduous task of bringing peace and security to many parts of the state,” the governor said.
He added: “The only thing I was certain of was my administration’s determination to bring an end to banditry in Katsina State. I campaigned on it, and the trust of the people was not going to be forsaken.”
The newly graduated officers will be deployed to Kankia and Dutsin-Ma Local Government Areas, with 50 officers assigned to each. Dutsin-Ma, which borders Safana, Danmusa, and Matazu, remains one of the epicentres of banditry in the state.
“The headlines say the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits, but that is far from reality. I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome peace,” Governor Radda declared.
He explained that the “Katsina Model” is a fully community-driven approach, allowing members of affected communities to initiate and negotiate peace pacts with repentant bandits who agree to lay down their arms.
“The role of the state government is to encourage and support the peace process while maintaining law and order in these communities. Our focus is to ensure that communities that enjoy peace also benefit socio-economically, giving our people a dignified existence,” he said.
The governor highlighted the success of the community peace accord initiative, noting that Jibia has enjoyed eight months without a major attack, while Batsari has recorded seven months of uninterrupted peace. Other local governments—Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa—have also witnessed relative calm since adopting the initiative.
Governor Radda reaffirmed that kinetic measures by federal security agencies remain vital to Katsina’s overall security architecture.
“This ceremony is proof that the state government will not relent in fighting insecurity and banditry wherever they exist. Those who wish to return to crime will face the full force of the law,” he warned.
He commended the Nigerian Air Force, Nigerian Army, and Nigeria Police for their strong collaboration with the state government, noting that synergy with federal agencies has improved intelligence sharing, response times, and coordinated operations.
The governor also praised traditional and religious leaders for their vital roles in conflict resolution and community unity.
“You are entrusted not only with maintaining security but also with representing the shared goals of a peaceful and prosperous Katsina State. It is essential to uphold integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights at all times,” he charged the new officers.
The Community Watch Corps was launched over two years ago as part of the administration’s broader strategy to combat insecurity through community participation.
Earlier in his remarks, the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, said Governor Radda has greatly reduced insecurity in the state.
“No doubt, he saw, he analyzed, and he conquered using a homegrown initiative of community approach where young able men from their various communities were selected, screened, trained, and deployed to serve as the first line of defense to their mothers, fathers, wives, daughters, sisters, brothers, and friends,” the Commissioner said.
Dr. Nasir further noted that this marks the third phase of the C-Watch training—after the first in October 2023 and the second in November 2024.
Also speaking, Major General Junaidu Bindawa (Rtd), Chairman of the Standing Committee on the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (CWC), said the recruits underwent intensive training in minor tactics, weapon handling, communication, arrests, community policing, rules of engagement, and intelligence gathering. The goal, he said, was to make them disciplined, professional, and community-focused.
General Bindawa emphasized that the trainees were not trained to create problems but to solve them. They are to work closely with other security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, and always operate within the law and in the interest of peace.
He also identified areas for improvement, especially in command and control—from the lowest level to the state headquarters—to ensure proper coordination and accountability.
He recalled that the Katsina State Community Watch Corps Law, signed by Governor Radda on September 6, 2023, provides a solid legal foundation for the corps. He said the new phase would focus on discipline, professionalism, and community trust.
General Bindawa commended the 34 local government chairmen and communities from which the officers were selected, assuring them that the new recruits are well-prepared to protect lives and property with honesty and respect.
He revealed that the Standing Management Committee, under his chairmanship, has held its first meeting with all members, including local government chairmen and security representatives. Several sub-committees have been created to identify challenges and make recommendations to strengthen the Corps’ operations. Most of these sub-committees, he added, have completed their work and will soon submit reports for implementation.
He urged security agencies to continue supporting and guiding the new officers to perform effectively and build trust within their communities.
General Bindawa thanked Governor Radda for his unwavering trust and support, describing him as a visionary leader with a firm commitment to community security. He also appreciated the Department of State Services (DSS) for their professionalism, support, and collaboration before, during, and after the training.
He proudly revealed that following Katsina’s success, his team has been invited to train similar community watch outfits in Zamfara and Kano States, making Katsina a model for community policing in the region.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including the representative of the Speaker, Katsina State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Nasir Yahaya Daura, ably represented by Hon. Abduljalal Haruna, Member representing Safana and Deputy Speaker. Members of the State House of Assembly; Local Government Chairmen; and Permanent Secretaries.
Others who were in attendance include the Katsina State Commissioner of Police; Director of the DSS; Commander of the Nigerian Air Force; Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); representative of the NDLEA; Commandant of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Katsina Command; representatives of the Katsina and Daura Emirates; Commandant of the VIO; Commandant of KCWC, Katsina; representative of the Nigerian Army; Executive Secretary of SUBEB; representatives of the State Service Chiefs; as well as other top government officials from both the Federal and Katsina State Governments.
