Katsina Governor Dikko Radda says the state government has begun scrutinising some traditional rulers aiding banditry, warning that other leaders and cabinet members conniving with bandits will be arrested and prosecuted.

During a media chat in Abuja, the governor revealed that efforts were in top gear to curb the criminal activities, insisting that he would not negotiate with bandits or criminals.

“As I speak to you, there are some traditional rulers that have been identified, and those ones are already under scrutiny,” said Mr Radda. 

He added, “We are not sparing anybody. I’m telling you that even my commissioners or anybody found to be involved in any criminal activity won’t be spared.”

The governor, who decried the incessant attacks on the state residents, said his administration was trying to curb the menace.

“We are trying as much as possible to see how we can gather a lot of information, together with the intelligence we are getting from the DSS, so we can arrest and prosecute those found wanting,” he noted.

Mr Radda lamented that he received reports of killings and kidnappings daily since he became Katsina governor.

Disclosing that he had recruited at least 1,500 community watch officers to assist security agents, he said the state had spent over N7 billion to procure armoured personnel carriers, 65 Hilux vehicles, 700 motorcycles and security gadgets. 

“The corps officers know the locations and whereabouts of these people. Many of them witnessed the killings of their parents and how some of their sisters were raped. So they have more courage to do the job. 

“There are also intelligent units within the corps that even the members don’t know. The reason for setting it up is to check the excesses of the community security corps and gather critical information,” the governor explained.

He said the government also set up committees at the state, local government and ward levels to ensure that residents do not harbour criminals.