The Katsina State Government, led by Governor Dikko Radda, has introduced new security restrictions aimed at disrupting banditry and kidnapping networks across the state.
The measures include a statewide ban on the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans, as well as the suspension of motorcycles, POS operations, and phone-charging businesses in parts of the state.
According to an official statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, the decision followed an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.
The statement explained that the policy is designed to cut off logistics and communication channels allegedly used by criminal groups.
“The sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been banned across Katsina State with immediate effect,” the statement read.
It added that intelligence reports showed that some of the affected services were being exploited by criminals.
“Security assessments have shown that these facilities are being exploited by criminal networks,” it said.
The government also ordered the immediate closure of Point of Sale (POS) terminals and commercial phone-charging points in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, both of which are Matazu Local Government Area and Musawa Local Government Area.
In addition, motorcycles have been banned in the two local government areas as part of efforts to restrict the movement of armed groups.
“The restriction is intended to disrupt the movement and operational activities of bandits and kidnappers who often rely on motorcycles for transportation,” the statement noted.
Governor Radda reiterated that protecting lives and property remains his administration’s top priority, assuring residents of continued collaboration with security agencies to restore peace.
He also urged citizens to comply fully with the directives and support security efforts by providing useful information to authorities.
“The state government will continue to work closely with security agencies to restore peace and stability,” the statement added, while warning that defaulters would face strict consequences.
