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Tag: Katsina

  • Katsina approves N23.8b projects in health, security, roads, hospitality sectors

    Katsina approves N23.8b projects in health, security, roads, hospitality sectors

    The Katsina State Executive Council has approved a comprehensive package of strategic projects worth over N23.8 billion, targeting critical improvements in healthcare delivery, security infrastructure, road connectivity, and hospitality development across the state.

    Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe presided over today’s 9th regular Executive Council meeting, with Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda participating virtually to ensure seamless governance and uninterrupted decision-making processes.

    Read Also: Katsina engages Guardians Worldwide on CarbonCredit Initiative

    The Council also approved the upgrade of the Comprehensive Health Centre in Maiadua Local Government Area into a full-fledged General Hospital at N1.3 billion. Honourable Commissioner for Works and Housing, Engr. Dr. Sani Magaji Ingawa, explained that this project will significantly enhance healthcare access for women and children in the area.

  • Six die in Katsina building collapse

    Six die in Katsina building collapse

    No fewer than six persons have died after a building collapsed during a downpour in Dankama Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The incident occurred around 2 a.m. yesterday while the victims were asleep, claiming the lives of a mother and five of her children.

    The victims’ husband and father, Malam Muhammad Sani, confirmed the incident to reporters in Katsina.

    He said three others were rushed to hospital with various injuries.

    Read Also: Radda seeks investment in Katsina’s N50bn carbon portfolio, urges national adoption of KAGGA

    Sani explained that he was away when it happened and was left in shock after hearing the news.

     “This affected about 10 people, but sadly six didn’t survive. Three are currently receiving treatment in hospital,” he told journalists.

     The deceased were identified as Mariya Sani, 45; Mujahid, 20; Zahariya, 18; Hauwa, 15; Amira; and Nura Sani, aged five.

     The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tragedy has triggered widespread grief in the community.

    Many sympathisers have visited the family’s Dankama home to offer their condolences and support.

    Sani expressed his acceptance of the tragedy, saying: “I surrender to Allah’s will. May He grant them eternal rest.”

     Hajiya Binta Dangani, Executive Secretary of Katsina State Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), confirmed the incident to NAN.

    She said agency officials had been dispatched to condole the family and assess the damages for follow-up.

  • Gov Radda loses aide, mourns

    Gov Radda loses aide, mourns

    Katsina Governor Dikko Umaru Radda  has mourned his Special Adviser on Community Development,Nasidi Danladi Garki.

    Garki, a highly respected public servant and grassroots mobiliser, died in the early hours of Saturday. 

    He hailed from  Garki town in Baure Local Government Area. 

    The Governor while expressing profound sadness over the loss, described the Special Adviser as a dedicated patriot who served his people and the state with humility, loyalty, and a remarkable commitment to community uplift.

    He said  “Hon. Nasidi Danladi Garki was not just a close associate but a deeply committed son of Katsina State. In his role as Special Adviser on Community Development, he championed the cause of rural inclusion and community engagement with sincerity and passion”

    ”His passing is a great loss to this administration, to his family, and to all who had the privilege to work with him. 

    ”The late Garki played an instrumental role in bridging the gap between government and the grassroots, especially in rural empowerment programs and social mobilisation efforts under the current administration.”

    He extended condolences to the immediate family of the deceased, the people of Baure Local Government, and the entire Katsina State community.

  • Katsina engages Guardians Worldwide on CarbonCredit Initiative

    Katsina engages Guardians Worldwide on CarbonCredit Initiative

    Katsina State Government has taken a bold step towards sustainable development by engaging with officials of Guardians Worldwide (GWW), a global environmental consultancy, to explore carbon credit opportunities for the state under the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA).

    The high-level engagement, which took place in Abuja on Wednesday marked Governor Radda’s first official assignment following his recent minor accident

     The meeting was part of broader efforts to position Katsina as a leading force in green innovation, climate action, and environmental sustainability in Nigeria.

    Delegates from Guardians World wide’s Brazil and Nigeria offices were in attendance, including Ms. Débora Lira de Lacerda and Ms. Lucimar Prata dos Santos from Brazil, and Alhaji Ahmad Muazu from Nigeria. The delegation was led by Mr. Kamilu Hassan Hamza, Director of Guardians Worldwide Africa.

    Read Also: Sanwo-Olu bars council chairmen from appointing SLGs, supervisory councilors

    Welcoming the team, Governor Radda described carbon trading as a “new frontier” in climate finance that Katsina must embrace.

    He said “This initiative speaks directly to our state’s long-term ambition to build a resilient economy anchored on sustainability, innovation, and international collaboration,”

    He further noted that under the Katsina Green Growth Agenda (KAGGA), the state had already begun laying the groundwork for attracting green finance. He emphasised that such partnerships could open up new revenue opportunities, safeguard the environment, and empower local communities.

  • Police decorate 589 newly promoted officers in Katsina

    Police decorate 589 newly promoted officers in Katsina

    The Nigeria Police Force Katsina State Command has decorated 589 newly promoted officers with new ranks in Katsina 

    The Commissioner of Police, Katsina State Command,CP Bello Shehu, who performed the ceremony held at the state Command headquarters, charged the officer’s to double their efforts,stating that the occasion marked a significant milestone in their careers

    The CP was  assisted by families and members of the management team in decorating the  newly promoted officers with their new ranks,thus marking their dedication and service to the Nigeria Police Force.

    Read Also: Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

    Three officers were decorated with their new ranks of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) while the remaining officers were promoted from the ranks of Sergeant to Inspector, Corporal to Sergeant.

    The ceremony marks was also witnessed by senior officers, friends, families, and well-wishers of those promoted. 

    The CP also appreciated the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun and the Police Service Commission for finding the officers worthy of the promotion and charged them to redouble their efforts towards effectively discharging their duties.

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, ACP Abdullahi Muhammad Dattijo, AC DFA, appreciated the IGP and PSC for finding them worthy of the promotion and the CP for his steadfast guidance and support and promised to keep the flag of the Nigeria Police Force flying.

  • Retired police officers in Katsina shun nationwide protest

    Retired police officers in Katsina shun nationwide protest

    Retired police officers in Katsina State on Monday stayed away from the nationwide protest over poor welfare packages, despite the call for demonstrations across the country.

    A survey by The Nation across the three senatorial zones and major urban towns in the state revealed a complete absence of protests or street demonstrations by the retirees.

    Security operatives were, however, observed stationed at various flashpoints across the state to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order.

    Speaking exclusively to The Nation, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Katsina State Command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, confirmed that the decision to avoid the protest followed a meeting between the state command and the association of retired police officers.

    He said: “My commissioner invited them to a meeting earlier on and assured them that all their outstanding entitlements would be duly paid.”

    Read Also: Retired police officers shun planned protest in Anambra, Enugu

    Aliyu added that the Commissioner also reminded the retirees of the Inspector General of Police’s commitment to addressing their welfare concerns.

    “It was then resolved that there was no need to embark on any street protest. I’m glad you went round and saw things for yourself,” he concluded.

  • Joint security team kills 30 bandits in Katsina

    Joint security team kills 30 bandits in Katsina

    • Two soldiers, three policemen, one civilian died

    A joint security team in Katsina State has successfully neutralised 30 bandits during a series of coordinated counter-operations in Faskari Local Government Area.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Muazu, yesterday in Katsina.

    The security personnel, he said, comprised of Police Mobile Force (PMF) operatives, military, and the Nigerian Air Force.

    He said the troops engaged hundreds of heavily bandits who simultaneously attacked communities of Kadisau, Raudama and Sabon Layi at approximately 5:00pm on Tuesday.

    “Upon receiving intelligence, the security forces immediately mobilised to the scene. Additional reinforcements from Dandume and the Nigerian Air Force were swiftly deployed to the affected areas. After intense confrontations, our gallant security forces successfully repelled the attackers, forcing them to retreat. About 30 criminals were neutralised through the coordinated air strikes while attempting to escape,” he said.

    The commissioner further said, while the government celebrated the bravery of the security personnel, it also mourned the heroes who paid the ultimate price in defending communities.

    Read Also: Army deepens civil-military ties with free medical outreach in Katsina community

    “We lost three dedicated Police Mobile Force personnel: Insp Suleiman Ibrahim, Insp Bello Bala and Cpl. Mohammed Lawal, along with a civilian, Aliyu Sa’adu, from Kadisau village,” Muazu said.

    In Sabon Layi, he said, two courageous soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice, while Ya’u Aliyu sustained injuries, and was currently receiving medical treatment.

    “On behalf of the government and the people of Katsina State, I extend our deepest condolences to the families of our fallen heroes and the affected communities.

    “Their sacrifice will never be forgotten and their families will receive full government’s support during this difficult time,” he assured.

    Muazu further restated the administration’s commitment to continuing to join hands with the security personnel operating in the state to protect lives and property of people in the state.

    He, therefore, called on all the residents to remain vigilant and continue providing timely information to security agencies.

  • Absence of enabling act hindering peddlers’ prosecution in Katsina – NDLEA

    Absence of enabling act hindering peddlers’ prosecution in Katsina – NDLEA

    The lack of an enabling act occasioned by the delay in the signing of the NDLEA act into law by the President has caused  tremendous delay in the prosecution of peddlers of three major dangerous drugs in Katsina State. 

    The Katsina Commander of the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Sammaila stated this while briefing newsmen on the activities marking the commemoration of” the United Nations International day of drug abuse and illicit trafficking. 

    The NDLEA boss alleged the peddlers of three major narcotic drugs in Katsina Exo1-5,.Pre-Gabalin and Akuskura always go scot-free when caught due to the absence of prosecuting laws and the inherent weakness in the yet to be re-enacted NDLEA act.

    Read Also: NDLEA takes anti-drug abuse campaign to Lagos streets

    According to him: “‘We always release them after confiscating the drugs because of lack of powers to prosecute them. We are still waiting for Mr President to sign into law,the re-enacted NDLEA act 

    ”We urge Governors to collaborate with the State Houses of Assemblies to enact  laws that will checkmate activities of illicit drug and narcotics peddles,and ensure their speedy prosecution.”

    He listed the operational achievements of the agency to include total seizure of 2,444 kg of Cannabis Sativa,2,469kg of Codeine,1,120 kg  of other psycho and so on 

  • Group urges NSA, IGP to investigate peace meeting with bandit leader in Katsina

    Group urges NSA, IGP to investigate peace meeting with bandit leader in Katsina

    A civil society organisation, Citizens for Equity and Justice Initiative (CEJI), has called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to launch a full investigation into a recent peace meeting involving Ado Aleru, a bandit leader previously declared wanted by security forces.

    The meeting, which took place on Saturday in the Bichi community of Danmusa Local Government Area, Katsina State, was attended by traditional rulers, local government officials, representatives of the Nigerian Army, and top officials from both Katsina and Zamfara states.

    In widely circulated video footage, Aleru was seen addressing the gathering, calling for peaceful coexistence between Fulani herders and farming communities.

    In a statement issued Friday, CEJI President Dr. Abdulmumin Sarki questioned the circumstances that allowed a wanted individual to appear publicly and participate in an official gathering without being apprehended. 

    Read Also: Police ready for threats, not retreating – IGP

    He said the development raises serious questions about consistency in the nation’s fight against insecurity.

    While recognising the need for peace in violence-affected areas, CEJI stressed that any initiative must uphold the principles of justice, transparency, and respect for victims. 

    “Peace processes must not come at the cost of the rule of law or public trust,” the group said.

    The organisation also called on the National Human Rights Commission and Nigeria’s international partners to examine the legality and implications of such meetings, particularly where individuals with outstanding security concerns are involved.

    CEJI urged both the Zamfara and Katsina state governments to clarify their roles in the meeting and provide assurances on how such engagements align with their previous public positions on handling insecurity.

    “The Nigerian state must avoid actions that send mixed signals,” the group stated. “There must be a clear distinction between efforts to restore peace and actions that could be perceived as legitimising violence.”

    CEJI concluded by urging security agencies to investigate the meeting thoroughly and ensure that all efforts toward peace in the region are consistent with national laws and international standards.

  • Katsina denies negotiations with bandits

    Katsina denies negotiations with bandits

    The Katsina State Government has denied involvement in the ongoing negotiations between bandits and community leaders in some parts of the State 

    Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Nasir Mu’azu, told reporters that security is the number one priority of Governor Radda’s led administration. 

    He said: “We all know that Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda made promises that security is going to be his top priority and he has effectively demonstrated that resolve and his promises that he is going to deal with the issue of insecurity in its fold”. 

    ”Now, as we all know that the security architecture of Katsina State is segregated into three, namely:

    “We have the frontline local government areas including Jibia, Batsari, Safana, DanMusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume and other vulnerable local governments about 10 or 11 of them. 

    “We have been having fights with the bandits for more than two years now and Allah in His infinite mercy is allowing us to record success in our operations and the position of the government is very clear that the government of Katsina State under the leadership of Mallam Dikko Umar Radda will not negotiate with bandits but if the bandits feel the needs to drop their arms and come forward, government is ready to give them, the landing rights..

    Read Also: Katsina govt to launch literacy classes for repentant bandits

    ”They will also be accorded the opportunity to become like any other normal citizens of Katsina State,and we are very lucky that bandits in Jibia and Batsari Local Government areas have come forward through their messengers and initiated a discussion with leadership of their communities and the discussions were robust and we are having very peaceful activities in both Jibia and Batsari Local Government Areas.”

    The Commissioner further recalled that recently, bandits in DanMusa Local Government sent a messengers to their communities and that luckily there were discussions that yielded another form of peace deal in the local government and all the communities. 

    He said: ”Let me make it crystal clear that Katsina State government is still in its position that, we are not negotiating with the bandits but as responsible leaders, if these people decide to lay down their arms we will give them the opportunity to be responsible citizens in the State”

    ” But, let me also make it clear that in case of them relegating their promises, we are going to deal with them as we used to”