Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has been recognized as the Best Security Conscious State Governor/Premier in West and Central Africa.
The recognition was made during the 18th Africa Security Watch Wards held at Radisson Blu Hotel, Doha, Qatar on Thursday, themed “Developing Module for People-Centric Governance Towards Enhancement of Peace and Security,”
The Governor, represented by Deputy Governor Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe alongside the State Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, delivered a keynote address titled “Banditry – Challenges and the Way Forward: the Katsina State Example,” detailing a multi-dimensional state approach to addressing security challenges in Katsina.
Deputy Governor Lawal in his submission highlighted the initial security landscape, where 24 local government areas were severely impacted by banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling, especially those bordering Niger Republic, Zamfara and Kaduna State.
Lawal noted the state adopted non-kinetic and kinetic strategies to combat this pressing challenge, adding that a robust four-tier security structure was established, creation of specialized committees and developing partnerships with international development organizations such as UNDP, IOM, USAID and the World Bank.
“These efforts are complemented by the Security Reform Committee, establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, and the introduction of security education across educational institutions,” Lawal stressed.
Addressing other African leaders on the kinetic measures, Lawal explained the establishment of a Joint Security Surveillance Centre, recruitment of Katsina State Community Security Watch Corps, enhancement of inter-agency security synergy and procurement of critical assets.
“These strategic interventions have yielded significant results, with 16 out of 24 previously affected local government areas now insulated from criminal activities, representing a remarkable 70% reduction in crime rates,” Deputy Governor Lawal remarked.
He furthered that the state now seeks additional support, including livelihood assistance for victims of security (women and youths), provision of agricultural mechanization, renovation and rehabilitation of schools and healthcare centres, especially those destroyed by bandits.
However, the award of Best Security Conscious State Governor/Premier in West and Central Africa given to Governor Radda not only celebrates Katsina State’s security achievements, but also serves as paradigm of hope and model for effective security management in the region.
The event also hosted other prominent leaders across African countries as awardees. These include, Governor Duoye Diri of Bayelsa, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Nigerian Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs, CG Adewale Bashir Adeniyi, Commandant General of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
Notable awardees also include Minister of Transport and Telecommunications, Repulblic of Guinea-bissau, Gambia Inspector General of Police, IGP Seedy Muctarr Touray, Ghana Inspector General of Police, Dr. George Akuffo Dampara among others.
