Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has announced a series of new security measures aimed at curbing insecurity and disrupting the activities of bandits operating in Katsina State.
The governor unveiled the directives through an Executive Order issued following an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers, and other critical stakeholders.
Among the measures is an immediate statewide ban on the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans.
According to Radda, the restriction is intended to prevent fuel supplies from reaching criminal groups operating from forests and remote hideouts across the state.
The Executive Order also directed the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) outlets and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
The governor said intelligence reports and security assessments indicated that some of the facilities were being used by criminal elements to coordinate and sustain their operations.
In addition, the state government imposed a total ban on the use of motorcycles in Matazu and Musawa LGAs, citing concerns that bandits and kidnappers frequently rely on motorcycles to carry out attacks and evade security operatives.
Radda reiterated that safeguarding the lives and property of residents remains a top priority of his administration and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and stability in affected communities.
He also warned that individuals or businesses found violating the Executive Order would face strict sanctions, stressing that the government would enforce full compliance with the directives.
The latest measures form part of ongoing efforts by the Katsina State Government to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and other security challenges affecting parts of the state.