More than half of Katsina LGAs under bandits influence – Stakeholders call for new strategies

Stakeholders from Katsina State have called for new strategies to combat the influence of bandits in the region, as more than half of the local government areas (LGAs) are reportedly under their control. The Katsina Security Community Initiative (KSCI) emphasized the need for a hybrid model that combines military action with dialogue to address the escalating violence, kidnappings, and displacement of communities.

The stakeholders highlighted the failure of the current approach, which has led to worsening poverty and the recruitment of youth into armed groups. Community leaders and officials at the meeting pledged to push for reforms and collaborate with security forces to tackle the crisis.

The Nigerian Army also announced plans to establish a new battalion in Malumfashi LGA to strengthen operations against banditry in the state, following discussions with lawmakers and service chiefs in Abuja. Senator Abdulaziz Yar adua urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to deploy additional military resources to restore peace in Katsina.