By Maryam Shuaibu
The Katsina State Government has introduced fresh security measures, including a statewide ban on the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans, as part of efforts to weaken the operations of bandits and kidnappers.
Governor Dikko Radda announced the directives through an Executive Order following an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
The new restrictions also prohibit the use of motorcycles, Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, communities that have faced repeated security threats in recent months.
In a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, the government said the measures were designed to cut off logistical support systems often exploited by criminal groups operating in remote areas.
According to the statement, the ban on petroleum products in jerrycans takes immediate effect across the state and is aimed at preventing fuel supplies from reaching bandits and other criminal elements.
The government explained that security assessments revealed that some POS outlets and commercial charging centres in Matazu and Musawa were being used by criminal networks to facilitate communication and financial transactions.
As a result, all POS operations and commercial phone charging businesses in the two local government areas have been ordered shut until further notice.
Motorcycles have also been banned across Matazu and Musawa, with authorities arguing that armed groups frequently rely on motorcycles to launch attacks, transport supplies and evade security operatives.
The restrictions come amid intensified security operations against armed groups across parts of Katsina State.
On Monday, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, rescued Mrs. Amina Abubakar, widow of the late Major General Rabe Abubakar (rtd), during a military operation in Matazu Local Government Area.
The retired army officer and former Director of Defence Information was abducted alongside his wife on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli Road. He later died in captivity, drawing nationwide concern and renewed calls for stronger action against criminal gangs operating in the region.
Military authorities disclosed that Mrs. Abubakar sustained gunshot injuries during the rescue mission after the bandits reportedly opened fire before fleeing under pressure from advancing troops. She is currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.
Governor Radda on Tuesday visited her at the Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina, where he commended security personnel involved in the operation.
The governor praised troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA for their bravery and professionalism, describing the rescue as a significant boost for communities affected by insecurity.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, warning that anyone who violates the new security directives will face strict sanctions.
Mr Radda also urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by complying with the restrictions and sharing credible information that could aid ongoing security operations.
Katsina remains one of the states in Nigeria’s North-West region battling persistent attacks by armed bandits, who have been linked to killings, mass abductions and cattle rustling across several communities.