Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina has solicited the Nigerian Navy’s assistance to tackle insecurity in the state.

A statement on Friday in Katsina by Ibrahim Kaulaha, the governor’s spokesman, said Mr Radda made the plea when he visited the Chief of Naval Staff Auwal Gambo in Abuja.

Mr Radda said the state would form a Civilian Joint Task Force modelled under the Borno experience as part of government plans to address the security issues.

“We will need the support of the military, the Nigeria Police and the Civil Defence to ensure professionalism when the state starts its recruitment for the local vigilante forces.

“With your advice and support, we should be able to do that,” the governor added.

Mr Radda said the state would also deploy technology like the federal government in Falgore forest in Kano State.

He told the naval chief that during his campaign, he visited all the 361 wards in his state, including the no-go areas regarding security challenges.

“I saw the situation of my people, I sympathised with them and promised to do all I could to help mitigate the security problem.

“With the introduction of technology in our fight against banditry and kidnapping and the use of a non-kinetic approach, we will succeed.”

The governor also said the state government would group smaller villages to form large settlements for easy response to attacks by criminals.

Mr Radda told the Chief of Naval Staff that governors in the North-West have agreed to adopt a single approach to tackle regional insecurity and would appreciate his support.

Responding, the Chief of Naval Staff congratulated Mr Radda on his recent election and commended him for taking the bold initiative of reaching out to the service chiefs.

“This goes to show your political will and commitment to fighting insecurity in Katsina State.

“Your visit would further reinforce the mutual relationship between the Navy and Katsina State,” Mr Gambo said.

(NAN)