The governor of Katsina State has announced the addition of a new group of members to the state-owned security outfit, the Community Watch Corps, to bolster the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping. This second batch of CWC members comprises 550 individuals selected from ten local government areas within the state, bringing the total number of personnel to 2,006.
During the unveiling ceremony, the governor emphasized the importance of these community watch corps members, who were chosen from areas affected by armed banditry and other security issues. The governor urged the new members to be vigilant, collaborate closely with other security agencies, and actively participate in surveillance, information sharing, and combatting criminal elements.
The governor pointed out the positive impact of the first batch of CWC members, noting a significant decrease in crime rates and increased peace and stability in the state. He emphasized the success achieved through community involvement and collaboration in ensuring security.
Furthermore, the governor highlighted the government’s training of rural communities in remote areas to act as a primary defense line until reinforcements arrive. He encouraged communities to participate in peace-building and self-defense programs and underscored the recruitment of ward-level personnel in the fight against insecurity.
In his administration’s efforts to establish a comprehensive security structure, the governor mentioned the recruitment of 6,652 ward-level personnel and the inclusion of village and district heads, Imams, Ladans, and Naibis in the state’s security initiatives.
The governor expressed optimism about the progress made in enhancing security within just a year and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with various community institutions to maintain trust and build a strong alliance against disruptive forces.
Additionally, the governor acknowledged the cooperation with federal security agencies in combating insecurity, as evidenced by the presence of all heads of security organizations at the inauguration ceremony in Katsina.