Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has said his administration will not negotiate with bandits perpetuating evil in the state.
Governor Radda made this in a statement released by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammad on Wednesday in Katsina.
The statement quoted telling visiting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force Northwest Operation, Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, that the government can only go into peace deal with the bandits on some laid down conditions to ensure lasting peace
According to the statement, the governor said negotiation can only be successful with the full acceptance and involvement of the concerned members of the communities.
Part of the statement reads: “the Governor revealed that a stakeholder engagement committee has been established to ensure community involvement in peace-building initiatives, expressing openness to supporting genuine repentance and reintegration.
“The bandits are our brothers born within us, but choose to be criminal. Those who sincerely surrender and seek to rebuild their lives will find support from our administration,” the Governor gave assurance.
“We are prepared to provide resources for their reintegration and livestock management, enabling them to become productive members of society.”
Mohammad said Governor Radda revealed that the state government had made substantial investment in security infrastructure, surpassing many states in the federation.
“The Governor pledged continuous logistics support to address fuel supply challenges and maintain operational effectiveness.
Radda praised the the Brigade Commander, for his exemplary leadership by personally leading operations and demonstrating unwavering dedication.
The Governor emphasized that these efforts, combined with the collaborations by the Air Force, Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Civil Defence Corps, and Katsina Community Watch Corps, have yielded significant improvements in securing the state.
“Our farmers can now cultivate their lands and transport their produce to market.
“This tangible progress demonstrates the effectiveness of our joint security strategies,” the Governor continued.
Earlier, General Ajose said he was in Katsina State in continuation of his operational visits to all states under the 8th Division prosecuting the newly launched Operation Safe Northwest.
“This initiative aims to mobilize communities, enhance security operations and foster sustainable peace,” he explained.
General Ajose said the Chief of Defense Staff had written to the four states in the Zone on the recent developments, particularly reports of some bandits expressing interest in negotiating peace.
“It is important to state categorically that the Nigerian Army does not engage in negotiations with criminals or bandits, we are committed to exploring holistic approaches to address this persistent and wicked challenge,” he said.
The GOC however, expressed appreciation to Governor Radda over the consistent support to security operations in the state. Major General Ajose cited the release of funds for development of a Forward Operating Base (FOB).
