Frontline LGAs now enjoying over six months of uninterrupted peace--Governor Radda

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced notable improvements in security across several local government areas, especially those previously plagued by repeated bandit attacks.

The Governor disclosed this today while receiving the newly posted Commander of the 213 Forward Operating Base (FOB), Katsina, Air Commodore Chukwuedo Illoh, at Government House, Katsina.

Air Commodore Illoh, a member of the 45 Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, brings with him over 30 years of professional military service. He has held several senior command appointments and previously served as Nigeria’s Defence Attaché in Paris, with concurrent accreditation to 13 European countries.

With more than 3,500 flying hours across multiple aircraft platforms, Air Commodore Illoh is also the Air Component Commander of Operation Fansan Yamma and  he is expected to lead the entire Air Component of the Joint Task Force (North-West).

In his remarks, Governor Radda highlighted the significant reduction in bandit activities, particularly in some local government areas that were once considered major hotspots.

“Today, almost all the affected local governments have reached peace deals with the bandits, and in many places we have enjoyed long periods without any attacks.

“Jibia used to be one of the most troubled areas, but today it is almost six months without a single attack. Batsari, Safana and Danmusa have also recorded about five to six months without any banditry incident,” Governor Radda explained.

He added that although some bandits initially attempted to shift their operations to the southern parts of the state, joint security forces responded swiftly and effectively.

“Before some areas in the state were major hotspots. Later, the attacks spread to neighbouring communities, but thank God our efforts have been successful and we remain committed. We hope the peace we are enjoying will continue, and your surveillance operations will further strengthen the stability we are witnessing,” Governor Radda said.

Reflecting on the situation he met upon assuming office, the Governor recalled that 24 local governments were under serious threat. Within his first five months, he established the Katsina State Community Watch Corps to reinforce the broader security structure.

“You cannot fight this kind of war without the locals, We recruited men from the same communities facing the attacks. They know the terrain, they supply intelligence, and they have a personal stake in ending insecurity because their families are affected.”

He noted that joint operations involving the Air Force, Army, Police, Civil Defence and the Community Watch Corps compelled many bandit groups to seek peace agreements under strict conditions.

Governor Radda also commended the decisive role of air operations.

“The bandits fear the air operations most, and the air component has played a major role in weakening them. Your predecessor activated the Rapid Response Squad of the base, which also contributed to the progress recorded. We will continue to support you with whatever you need to make your operations successful,” he assured.

Earlier, Air Commodore Illoh said: “I have personally observed the great efforts you are making to eliminate banditry and every form of criminality in Katsina State.”

He continued: “We cannot talk about the security situation in the state without acknowledging the leadership driving it. Security is a shared responsibility, but leadership must come from somewhere  and you have clearly been providing that leadership.

“That is why I considered it important that immediately upon arriving in Katsina, I should pay my respect to you as the key leader driving the efforts to ensure peace, stability and safe living conditions for the good people of the state.”

Air Commodore Illoh also praised the establishment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, describing it as a remarkable initiative that has strengthened community-based security and enhanced synergy with military operations.

He thanked Governor Radda's innovation and the support he has extended to all military formations in the fight against banditry.

He acknowledged improvements in intelligence gathering and information-sharing across local governments.

He reaffirmed his full support for the administration, stating that they remain committed to every initiative aimed at promoting peace, stability, and the overall well-being of the good people of Katsina State.

Those in attendance were the Head of the Civil Service, Falalu Bawale; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir; the Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; and the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu Danmusa, Commissioner Livestock Development Pro Ahmed Mohammed Bakori.