Why Katsina is vulnerable to persistent terrorists’ attacks – Gov Radda

From Agaju Madugba,, Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Umar Dikko Radda, has explained why parts of the area have remained vulnerable to seeming endless attacks by terrorist-bandits and other criminal elements.
Speaking in Abuja when he paid a courtesy visit on the Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Radda noted that his administration has held several meetings with various stakeholders, including retired Army generals and police officers, seeking to establish a unified security unit involving local residents.
A press statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, said that Radda equally expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their diligent efforts in combating insecurity within the state.
The statement said that, “the Governor emphasized that Katsina State has long suffered from banditry mainly due to its proximity to Niger Republic and extensive forests that border about eight Local Governments Areas.
“This vulnerability has made the communities susceptible to bandit attacks, with reports of daily incidents in some areas.
“Governor Radda pleaded with the Chief of Army Staff to expand Operation Hadarin Daji to cover all 19 Local Government Areas, believing it will significantly address the state’s insecurity issue.
The state government has also provided logistical support, including patrol vehicles and motorcycles, and deployed technology to aid the military and police in their efforts.
“The Governor appealed for additional support from the Army, including the establishment of more barracks and military facilities within the state.
“He commended officers and soldiers of the army for their patriotic dedication to addressing the state’s security challenges.
“He specifically acknowledged the support of the Brigade Commander in Katsina, describing his assistance in managing and confronting insecurity as invaluable.
“In fact, without the presence of the Nigerian Army in Katsina, we wouldn’t know what the situation in the state would have been.
“But the army’s support has been great, and we will continue to ask for more support.”
“I came personally to congratulate you and also seek more collaboration with the Nigerian Army and the Katsina State government.
“In his response, the Chief of Army Staff assured that the Army is ready to expand Operation Hadarin Daji, but that it requires planning and Federal Government’s intervention due to funding and resource needs.
“The Chief of Army Staff affirmed their commitment to combating criminal elements and recognized the state government’s deployment of cameras in some of the Local Governments Areas which will aid the Nigerian Army in addressing the challenges more effectively.
“While awaiting Federal Government’s support, the Army headquarters pledged to provide immediate assistance to tackle the ongoing security challenges in Katsina State.”