From Agaju Madugba, Katsina
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda has inaugurated 550 personnel of the second batch for the state’s Community Watch Corps.
The figure complements the initial number of officers and men of the CWC launched in October 2023 as part of measures by government to combat activities of terrorists and other criminal elements operating in the area.
Speaking at a ceremony on Friday to deploy the recruits, Radda noted that the personnel were drawn from the banditry-ravaged Local Government Areas and communities across the state.
He said, “when we launched the Community Watch Corps over a year ago, we embarked on a journey rooted in the belief that the most effective way to secure our communities is through active participation and collaboration.
“The community approach was not just a strategy but a vision to empower our people to take ownership of their safety and well-being.
“Over the past year, we have witnessed remarkable successes. Crime rates have significantly decreased in areas where our Community Watch officers have been active.
“Communities that were once plagued by fear are now experiencing peace and stability. This is a testament to what we can achieve with a common purpose.
“The gains of our fight against insecurity have reunited hundreds of kidnapped persons with their families.
“We have neutralised several bandit cells with their leaders and many have sought negotiations with the government.
“We are actively encouraging all communities who wish to participate in our peace-building and self-defence programmes to nominate qualified candidates and partner with the state in our progress towards total security in Katsina State.
“As we look to the future, I am optimistic that the strides we have made in just one year indicate the potential we have to completely transform the state.”