MINISTRY OF INTERNAL SECURITY AND HOME AFFAIRS
PRESS RELEASE
I wish to express my profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the establishment, recruitment, training and deployment of 1,008 National Forest Guards, including 18 women, to Katsina State.
The successful graduation of the personnel marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to reclaim forests from criminal elements, protect vulnerable communities and consolidate the ongoing restoration of peace across the state.
This strategic intervention reflects President Tinubu's commitment to supporting Katsina State's security efforts and strengthening the national security architecture.
I also commend His Excellency, Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for his exceptional leadership, political will and sustained commitment to tackling insecurity through a comprehensive combination of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.
Since assuming office, Governor Radda has realised that insecurity in Katsina State is a community driving crisis that requires a community driven approach. He continued to strengthen the state's security architecture through strategic investments, improved intelligence gathering, community engagement and the establishment, recruitment and deployment of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps.
In October 2023, the administration recruited the first batch of Community Watch Corps personnel to reinforce security in eight frontline local government areas: Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Danmusa, Kankara, Faskari, Sabuwa and Dandume.
In November 2024, the government recruited an additional 550 personnel under the second batch, extending security coverage to Kurfi, Charanchi, Dutsin-Ma, Matazu, Musawa, Malumfashi, Kafur, Bakori, Danja and Funtua.
During 2025 and 2026, the administration further expanded the initiative through the recruitment and deployment of the third batch, strengthening security operations, particularly in Kankara and other vulnerable communities.
These successive recruitment exercises demonstrate Governor Radda's determination to build a sustainable, community-driven security system that complements the efforts of conventional security agencies.
The administration's security interventions have also produced encouraging improvements across the state as follows;
1. Jibia LGA, peaceful
2. Batsari LGA, peaceful
3. Safana LGA, peaceful
4. Danmusa LGA, peaceful
5. Sabuwa LGA, peaceful
6. Kurfi LGA, peaceful
7. Kankara LGA, peaceful
8. Batagarawa LGA, peaceful
9. Katsina LGA, peaceful
10. IngawavLGA, peaceful
11. Bindawa LGA, peaceful
12. Faskari LGA, relatively peaceful
13. Dutsin-Ma LGA, relatively peaceful
14. Danja LGA, relatively peaceful
15. Kafur LGA, relatively peaceful
16. Markets reopened
17. Schools across the state reopened
18. Medical facilities across the state reopened
19. Commercial activities have gradually returned to previously affected communities.
20. Major roads reopened.
Farmers are increasingly returning to their farmlands, while the movement of people and goods has improved. These developments reflect the combined impact of sustained security operations, intelligence-led interventions and community participation.
The deployment of the newly graduated 1,008 National Forest Guards will further strengthen these gains by complementing the operations of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Air Force and other relevant security institutions.
With specialised training in forest surveillance, tactical operations, intelligence gathering and environmental protection, the Forest Guards are expected to play a critical role in denying criminal elements safe havens, securing remote territories and preventing the use of forests as operational bases for criminal activities.
Their deployment will also enhance intelligence-driven operations and improve security coverage in difficult-to-access areas, particularly communities bordering vulnerable forest corridors.
I sincerely appreciate the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General DSS, the Federal Ministry of Environment; the National Park Service; Defence Headquarters; and all participating security institutions for their contributions to the successful implementation of this important initiative.
I am confident that the strengthened collaboration between the Federal Government and the Katsina State Government will further consolidate the progress recorded and advance our collective determination to achieve sustainable peace.
Once again, I express my profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this strategic intervention and commend Governor Radda for his resilience, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of the people of Katsina State.
May Almighty Allah continue to guide our leaders, protect our security personnel and grant Katsina State and Nigeria lasting peace, stability and prosperity.
Dr. Nasir Mu'azu
Honourable Commissioner
Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs
Katsina State.
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