Katsina State Government has accused residents of failing to provide actionable intelligence that could help curb insecurity in the state.
Nasir Muazu, commissioner for internal security and home affairs, said on Friday that the lack of cooperation from residents has contributed to the persistence of banditry in many communities.
He cited an incident in which bandits informed villagers of their plan to ambush a military unit, warning them to stay indoors after 7 pm.
His words: “Sadly, the community members kept the information to themselves as they refused to inform the government or the security operatives of the impending attack.
“They chose to stay indoors, and the bandits ambushed the military unit where they killed three of their personnel. They also set fire to an operational vehicle worth N500 million.”
The commissioner also recalled another case in which a Nigerian Air Force jet flew for 17 hours non-stop after residents failed to help identify the exact location of bandits.
“A NAF jet flew to a location in the state where bandits were sighted with the view of conducting an air raid in the area. The plane left at about 8 am.
“Residents of the area were supposed to give information about the location of the bandits, but they refused to do so, and the pilot had to fly for several hours non-stop, from 8 am to 1 am,” he said.
Muazu lamented that several such cases existed where intelligence from locals could have saved lives and strengthened security operations.
He assured residents that any information volunteered would be treated with confidentiality.
“Security is a community-driven effort. We urge everyone to contribute to this noble cause. Our doors are open for anyone willing to assist,” he said.
