President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate review of security operations in Katsina State with the deployment of additional military hardware and surveillance drones to combat terrorism and banditry in the North-West.
Speaking at the State House on Tuesday while receiving a delegation led by Governor Dikko Umar Radda, the President described insecurity as a threat to lives, worship centres, and recreational spaces, but assured Nigerians that it remained surmountable.
“The security challenges we face are surmountable. We are not sleeping. The deployment of security assets is an ongoing process, and we will strengthen it with technology, especially drones,” Tinubu said.
He disclosed that consultations were ongoing on the creation of state police to complement federal forces and announced plans to work with state governments to equip forest guards with modern technology and resources. Tinubu further directed security agencies to provide the Presidency with daily situation reports from Katsina and other flashpoints to ensure accountability and real-time monitoring.
Governor Radda had earlier appealed for urgent federal intervention, warning that worsening banditry was displacing communities, crippling farming, and undermining local economies. “Our people are suffering. Lives are being lost daily. We need increased presence of security personnel, equipment, and aerial surveillance,” he said.
Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East neutralised 20 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists during coordinated offensives in Borno State. Defence Headquarters reported that 15 suspects, including women and children aiding insurgents with food and intelligence, were arrested. Weapons, explosives, fertiliser, and motorcycles were also recovered.
Tinubu assured the delegation that his administration would not relent until peace was restored. “We will defeat insecurity. We will protect lives, secure places of worship, schools, and communities, and ensure Nigerians can go about their daily lives without fear,” he pledged.
