Katsina adds second batch to community watch corps
Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda has introduced a new batch of the state-owned security outfit, the Community Watch Corps, to help security agencies combat terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping in the state.The second batch of CWC members consists of 550 personnel selected from ten local government areas in the state, including Bakori, Danja, Dutsinma, Kurfi, Kafur, Matazu, Charanchi, Musawa, Malumfashi, and Funtua, bringing the total number of personnel employed to combat insecurity to 2,006.
At the graduation ceremony for the first batch of 1,456 CWC members in Katsina, Radda stated that the trainees had been trained by military, police, and DSS officers in intelligence gathering and combat skills to prepare them to face bandits.
During the unveiling on Friday, Radda explained that the community watch corps members were chosen from each ward in local government areas dealing with armed banditry and other security issues in the state.
The governor tasked the new members with being proactive and combat-ready, as well as working closely with police, military, DSS, and civil defence operatives on surveillance, information sharing, and confronting bandits, kidnappers, informants, armed robbers, and other criminals.
In discussing the impact of the CWC's first batch, Radda stated that the state has experienced remarkable peace and stability over the last year.
According to him, "When we launched the Community Watch Corps more than a year ago, we embarked on a journey rooted in the belief that active participation and collaboration are the most effective ways to secure our communities. The community approach was more than a strategy; it was a vision that empowered our people to take responsibility for their own safety and well-being.
"Over the last year, we have seen remarkable success. Crime rates have dropped significantly in areas where our Community Watch Officers are active. Communities that were once filled with fear are now experiencing peace and stability. This demonstrates what we can accomplish with a common goal. The successes of our fight against insecurity have reunited hundreds of kidnapped people with their families. We have neutralised several bandit cells and their leaders, and many have sought talks with the government," Radda stated.
He went on to explain that the government has trained rural communities in remote areas to serve as a first line of defence until reinforcements arrive.
"We are actively encouraging all communities that 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," claimed Radda.
Furthermore, the governor stated that as part of his administration's efforts to establish a three-tier security structure, 6,652 ward-level personnel have been recruited to combat insecurity.
He stated, "We also engaged and supported village and district heads." The Imams, Ladans, and Naibis were also added to the state payroll as part of our comprehensive approach to community-driven security.
"I urge our Community Watch Officers to continue engaging with these institutions. Use their wisdom and influence to foster trust in the communities you serve. Together, you form a formidable alliance against the forces that threaten our peace and security.
"As we look towards the future, I am optimistic. The progress we've made in just one year demonstrates the potential we have to completely transform the state."
The governor recognised the collaboration with federal security organisations in the fight against insecurity, as all heads of security operatives attended the Katsina inauguration ceremony.
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