Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State has announced a series of stringent security measures, including a statewide ban on the sale and purchase of fuel in jerrycans and the closure of Point of Sale (POS) centres in two local government areas, as part of efforts to curb banditry and kidnapping across the state.

The measures were contained in an Executive Order issued following an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders. The meeting was convened to address the persistent security challenges affecting parts of the North-West state.

Under the new directives, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been prohibited across Katsina State with immediate effect. According to the state government, the restriction is intended to prevent fuel supplies from reaching criminal groups operating in forests and remote hideouts.

Governor Radda also ordered the immediate closure of all POS outlets and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas. The government said intelligence reports and security assessments indicated that some of these facilities were being exploited by criminal networks to coordinate and sustain their operations.

In addition, the Executive Order imposes a total ban on the use of motorcycles in the two affected local government areas. Authorities believe the measure will restrict the movement of bandits and kidnappers, who often rely on motorcycles to carry out attacks and evade security forces.

Speaking on the new restrictions, the governor reiterated that the protection of lives and property remains the foremost responsibility of his administration. He assured residents that the state government would continue to work closely with security agencies to restore peace and stability in affected communities.

Radda urged citizens to comply fully with the directives and support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies. He also warned that violators of the Executive Order would face strict sanctions.

The latest measures come amid intensified efforts by security forces to combat armed groups operating in parts of Katsina State. The state has witnessed recurring incidents of banditry, kidnapping and violent attacks in recent years, prompting authorities to adopt tougher security strategies aimed at disrupting criminal networks and cutting off their sources of logistics and support.