President Bola Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards to strengthen security operations in Katsina State.
Radda disclosed this while briefing journalists after a meeting with Islamic clerics and other stakeholders at the Government House in Katsina.
He said the meeting formed part of ongoing efforts by the state government to address insecurity through community engagement and stakeholder participation.
According to the governor, the engagement was aimed at obtaining the perspectives of religious leaders on the security challenges facing the state and exploring sustainable solutions to banditry and kidnapping.
“The purpose of this meeting is to hear directly from Islamic clerics, understand their perspectives on the current security challenges, and seek their advice on the way forward,” he said.
Radda stressed that insecurity could not be tackled by security agencies alone, noting that communities must play active roles in combating criminal activities.
He said investigations had revealed that some residents were aiding criminal groups through intelligence sharing, logistics support and the sale of stolen livestock.
“Most of their supply chains, information networks and even the sale of stolen animals involve people living among us.
“This is why there is a need to sensitise the entire community so that everyone plays his or her part.
“Islamic clerics are critical partners in promoting moral values and mobilising communities against crime,” he added.
The governor said the newly approved forest guards would complement the efforts of conventional security agencies and community watch groups in securing forested and remote areas.
He thanked President Tinubu for approving the recruitment and said the personnel would work alongside existing security structures.
“I want to thank Mr President for approving our request to recruit 1,000 young, able-bodied men and women as forest guards. They will work alongside conventional security agencies and community watch groups,” he said.
Radda added that the recruits would receive adequate training and equipment to enhance their effectiveness.