North-West insecurity: Gov Radda, DSS DG call for stronger security collaboration
KATSI NA, Nigeria — Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda and Oluwatosin Ajayi, Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), emphasized the need for enhanced collaboration among security agencies, governmental bodies, and local communities to combat terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities affecting the North-West region.
Their remarks came during the second North-West zonal conference of State Directors of Security (SDS) hosted by the DSS in Katsina, themed “Unite Against Terror,” on Thursday.
Radda, represented by Deputy Governor Farouk Jobe, highlighted that the security challenges facing the region warrant a coordinated approach that includes input from government entities, security forces, and the community. He detailed that when his administration took office, approximately 26 local government areas were frequently targeted by attacks, which included incidents of murder, kidnappings for ransom, and other crimes.
The governor noted that Katsina has made notable improvements in its security landscape through a mix of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies. He outlined steps taken to address socioeconomic factors contributing to insecurity, such as offering support to banditry victims and implementing agricultural interventions.
Radda urged for improved community intelligence and responsible reporting on security matters, cautioning that sensationalized news could erode public trust and inadvertently assist criminal elements.
Ajayi, represented by Husseini Abubakar, Chair of the North-West Forum of State Directors of Security and Kano State Director of DSS, echoed the call for unified action. He stated that the conference served as a critical platform for security stakeholders to evaluate evolving threats, exchange operational insights, and formulate strategies to mitigate terrorism and banditry in the region.
The DSS Director-General also mentioned that the service is working on enhancing the tactical capabilities of its personnel to better address emerging security challenges and underscored the importance of cooperation among various security and law enforcement agencies.
