The National Orientation Agency has commenced a security sensitisation campaign across border communities in Katsina State to strengthen local vigilance and curb cross-border crimes.
The initiative was launched on Monday in Jibia Local Government Area, where the Katsina State Director of the agency, Alhaji Muntari Lawal-Tsagem, said the campaign was designed to educate residents and encourage them to support government efforts to address insecurity.
According to him, the programme targets key border local government areas, including Jibia, Kaita, Mashi, Mai’adua, Zango and Baure.
“This sensitisation is aimed at enlightening our people on the dangers of cross-border crimes and the important role communities must play in safeguarding the country,” Lawal-Tsagem said. “Security is not the responsibility of government alone; it requires the active participation of citizens.”
He warned that criminal elements often exploit festive periods to infiltrate the country through informal border routes.
“During festive seasons, criminals take advantage of porous borders to enter Nigeria,” he said. “These include drug traffickers, arms smugglers and other hoodlums whose activities worsen the nation’s security challenges.”
The NOA director urged residents to promptly report suspicious movements or activities to security agencies to enable swift response, adding that timely information could help prevent attacks and other crimes.
He also called on parents and guardians to closely monitor their children and discourage them from involvement in illicit drugs and behaviours that could expose them to criminal networks.
“Parents must guide their children properly so they are not lured into drugs, violence or criminal groups,” Lawal-Tsagem said.
In addition, he appealed to traditional, community and religious leaders to use their influence to promote peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect among residents of border communities.
He encouraged citizens to remain law-abiding, patriotic and committed to their civic responsibilities, while commending Governor Dikko Radda for what he described as sustained efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
The campaign, the agency said, will continue across identified border areas as part of broader efforts to enhance community-based security awareness in Katsina State.
