The Katsina directorate of the National Orientation Agency launched a security awareness campaign across border communities on Monday.

NOA director in Katsina, Muntari Lawal-Tsagem, disclosed this at the launching of the campaign in the Jibia LGA.

He said that the aim is to educate residents on cross-border crimes and mobilise them to complement the government’s effort to end insecurity.

The LGAs are Jibia, Kaita, Mashi, Mai’adua, Zango and Baure.

Mr Lawal-Tsagem noted that criminals take advantage of festive periods to sneak into the country, especially through informal entry points of border areas.

“Such criminals include peddlers of illicit drugs, smugglers of illegal weapons and hoodlums who contribute heavily to the nation’s security problem,” he said.

He appealed to people in border areas to support the government’s effort to end insecurity by reporting suspicious activities or movement to security agencies for prompt response.

The director also called on residents of the areas to be patriotic and show respect and loyalty to their country.

He urged them to guard their children against involvement in illicit drugs and behaviours that could lure them into criminal groups.

Mr Lawal-Tsagem also appealed to community and religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect for their neighbours.

He also urged them to remain law-abiding and discharge their civic responsibilities and obligations diligently.

The director commended Governor Dikko Radda for his unrelenting effort to rid the state of security challenges.

(NAN)