The Katsina State Government has introduced sweeping security restrictions, including the closure of all Point of Sale (POS) operators and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, as part of renewed efforts to combat banditry and kidnapping.
The measures were announced through an Executive Order issued by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda following an emergency security meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders.
The announcement was confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday in Katsina by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed.
In the new directive, the state government also banned the sale, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans across Katsina State.
According to the government, the decision is aimed at cutting off supply routes used by criminal groups operating in remote areas.
Additionally, the use of motorcycles has been prohibited in Matazu and Musawa LGAs, which have been identified as high-risk zones for bandit activities.
Governor Radda said intelligence reports revealed that POS outlets and phone charging centres in the affected communities were being used by criminal networks to support communication and logistics for illegal operations.
He explained that restricting access to motorcycles would disrupt the mobility of bandits and kidnappers, who frequently rely on them for movement across rural terrain.
The governor reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remains the top priority of his administration.
He assured residents that the government is working closely with security agencies, including local vigilante groups and traditional institutions, to restore peace in affected communities.
Radda urged residents to comply with the new directives and assist authorities with credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
He warned that strict penalties would be imposed on individuals or businesses that violate the new restrictions.
The Katsina government emphasized that the emergency measures are temporary but necessary to dismantle criminal supply chains and restore normalcy in Matazu and Musawa.
Authorities say the policies will remain in force until significant improvements in the security situation are recorded.
