President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of security operations in Katsina State, directing the deployment of military hardware and surveillance drones to intensify the fight against terrorism and banditry in the North-West.
Receiving a delegation led by Governor Dikko Umar Radda at the State House on Tuesday, Tinubu said insecurity was a threat to lives, places of worship, and recreational spaces, but assured Nigerians that it was surmountable.
“The security challenges we face are surmountable. I can tell you we are not sleeping. We will do whatever is necessary. The deployment of security assets is an ongoing process, and we will strengthen it with technology, especially drones,” Tinubu said.
The President disclosed that discussions were ongoing on the establishment of **state police** to complement federal forces. He added that the federal government would also work with state governments to equip forest guards with modern technology and resources.
“Whether it is about establishing state police, equipping forest guards, or deploying surveillance drones, we will take decisive steps. We will not allow insecurity to continue to claim innocent lives,” he said.
Tinubu further directed that the Presidency must receive daily feedback from security agencies on developments in Katsina and other flashpoints, stressing accountability and real-time monitoring.
Governor Radda told the President that banditry had worsened, displacing communities, halting farming, and overwhelming local economies. He appealed for federal intervention to strengthen security operations.
“Our people are suffering. Lives are being lost daily. We need increased presence of security personnel, equipment, and aerial surveillance. Only then can displaced people return home and farming activities resume,” the governor said.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East neutralised 20 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in coordinated offensives across Borno State.
A statement from Defence Headquarters said 15 suspects, including women and children providing food and intelligence to terrorists, were arrested. Troops also recovered AK-47 rifles, machine guns, explosives, fertiliser, and motorcycles used in attacks.
“The logistics suppliers were intercepted while attempting to smuggle fertiliser and other items for the production of improvised explosive devices,” the military stated, adding that the operations were designed to disrupt insurgents’ supply chains and mobility.
Tinubu assured the Katsina delegation that his administration would not relent.
“We will defeat insecurity. We will protect lives. We will secure places of worship, schools, and communities. Nigerians must go about their daily lives without fear,” he pledged.
Deji Elumoye and Linus Aleke
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