By Ado Oyeyemi
The Katsina State Government has introduced a series of stringent security measures, including a ban on the sale and transportation of fuel in jerrycans, as part of efforts to disrupt the operations of bandits and kidnappers across the state.
Governor Dikko Umaru Radda announced the directives through an Executive Order issued after an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders to review the security situation in the state.
According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the new order prohibits the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans throughout Katsina State with immediate effect.
The government said the decision was informed by intelligence reports indicating that fuel transported in containers was frequently diverted to criminal groups operating from forests and remote hideouts.
The statement noted that the restriction was designed to cut off vital supplies used by armed gangs to sustain their activities.
As part of the security measures, the state government also ordered the immediate closure of all Point of Sale outlets and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
Authorities said security assessments revealed that some of the facilities were being exploited by criminal elements for financial transactions and communication.
In addition, the Executive Order imposed a ban on the use of motorcycles in the two local government areas.
The government believes the move will restrict the movement of bandits and kidnappers who often rely on motorcycles to carry out attacks and evade security operatives.
Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, assuring residents that the government would continue to collaborate with security agencies to restore lasting peace across the state.
He urged members of the public to support ongoing security operations by complying with the new directives and providing credible information to security agencies.
The governor also warned that anyone found violating the Executive Order would face severe penalties, stressing that the government would enforce the measures without exception.
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The latest restrictions, according to the state government, form part of broader efforts to dismantle the support networks sustaining criminal activities and enhance security for residents and businesses across Katsina State.
