23/12/2025
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, KATSINA
Office of the Chief Press Secretary Katsina State
PRESS RELEASE
"Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi: We Have a Collective Duty to Unite and Secure Our People" — Radda
As 2,000 KSNSC Members Graduate
Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed the collective resolve of governors in the North-West to take full ownership of the region’s security, declaring that the protection of lives and property remains a shared, non-negotiable responsibility.
Governor Radda stated this at the graduation ceremony of 2,000 pioneer members of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps, describing the occasion as a historic milestone in strengthening community-based security across the North-West.
"This graduation symbolises a united resolve by the governors of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi to defend our region. It reflects our shared commitment to confront our security challenges together and to protect our people with courage and responsibility," he said.
The Governor explained that leadership in the North-West carries a collective obligation that goes beyond state boundaries, stressing that governors of the region bear joint responsibility for safeguarding their communities.
"As governors of the North-West—Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi—we carry this responsibility together. We have both the mandate and the moral duty to protect our people, preserve their dignity and secure their communities with the strength Allah has placed upon our shoulders," he stated.
Describing leadership as a divine trust, Governor Radda emphasised that the duty to protect lives and property cannot be outsourced or delegated.
"Let me speak clearly to our people: no one will come from far away to defend our dignity, our parents and our communities except us ourselves. No one will come from Enugu or Port Harcourt to protect the values and safety of our local communities. This responsibility belongs to us," he added.
Governor Radda noted that the graduation of the 2,000 Kano Neighbourhood Watch Corps members marks a significant step toward strengthening grassroots-driven security initiatives across the region.
"Security must be defended by local communities themselves. This is how trust is built, intelligence is strengthened and peace is sustained," he said.
He further stressed that insecurity does not recognise state boundaries, making regional cooperation inevitable.
"Banditry and criminality cut across states, which is why our response must also be regional, coordinated and united," he said, urging North-West states to deepen collaboration through intelligence sharing, harmonised training frameworks and joint security operations.
"Our unity remains our greatest strength. Only by working together can we effectively confront the threats facing our people," the Governor added.
Highlighting Katsina State’s commitment to security, Governor Radda disclosed that the state has deployed 6,696 trained community security personnel across its local government areas.
He further revealed that the state has provided over 1,600 motorcycles, 102 Hilux patrol vehicles, 21 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 1,500 tactical kits, 2,750 Pro-Action rifles and 1,500 upgraded AK-47 rifles to support security operations statewide.
"These investments are deliberate. They reflect our clear understanding that security is the foundation of development, peace and social stability," he said.
Addressing the newly graduated officers, the Governor urged them to uphold discipline, honesty and justice in the discharge of their duties.
"You are entrusted with the protection of lives, property and the dignity of your communities. Carry out this responsibility with fear of Allah, integrity and a deep sense of service," he charged.
Governor Radda described the graduation as more than a ceremony, calling it a binding commitment between government and the people of the North-West.
"This graduation is a covenant—a shared promise to stand together in defence of our region," he concluded.
Earlier in his remarks, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the inauguration of the 2,000 Neighbourhood Watch Corps members as a decisive step to strengthen internal security and deepen community-based policing across the state.
He explained that the initiative targets insecurity at the grassroots while creating employment opportunities for youths, with a focus on intelligence gathering, vigilance and rapid response, particularly in vulnerable and border communities.
Governor Yusuf disclosed that the state has provided 88 Hilux patrol vehicles and 440 motorcycles across the 44 local government areas to support the operations of the corps, which will work closely with the Nigeria Police, DSS, NSCDC and the military through coordinated intelligence sharing.
Former Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, commended the initiative and called on the Federal Government to scale up recruitment into the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that increased manpower is critical to addressing national security challenges.
In the same vein, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, emphasised the importance of community participation and strong collaboration with traditional institutions, noting that sustainable security can only be achieved through trust, cooperation and grassroots engagement.
The event attracted representatives of the governors of Jigawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, federal lawmakers, members of the National Executive Council, Kano and Katsina State Executive Councils, business community leaders, and representatives of various organisations and institutions.
Ibrahima Kaulaha Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Katsina Governor
23rd December, 2025
