Fresh Katsina security measures have been introduced as the state government moves to tighten restrictions in areas affected by banditry and kidnapping, ordering the closure of Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
Governor Dikko Radda announced the directives through an executive order issued after an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.
The development was disclosed in a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed. According to the state government, the latest Katsina security measures are designed to weaken criminal networks and disrupt activities linked to banditry and kidnapping.
Under the new directives, all POS outlets and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa have been ordered to cease operations immediately.
The governor said intelligence and security assessments indicated that some of these facilities were being exploited by criminal elements to support and coordinate unlawful activities. Authorities believe restricting such services in the affected areas could help limit communication and financial transactions linked to criminal operations.
The state government also announced a statewide ban on the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans.
According to Radda, the restriction is intended to prevent fuel supplies from reaching bandit groups and other criminal elements operating in remote locations. Officials maintain that controlling access to fuel remains an important component of the broader security measures aimed at reducing the operational capacity of armed groups.
In addition, the use of motorcycles has been prohibited in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas. The governor explained that motorcycles are frequently used by bandits and kidnappers to move through difficult terrain and carry out attacks. The restriction is expected to limit their mobility and make security operations more effective in the affected communities.
Radda reiterated that protecting lives and property remains a top priority for his administration and assured residents that the government would continue working closely with security agencies to restore peace across the state.
He urged citizens to comply fully with the directives and provide credible intelligence that could assist ongoing security operations. The governor also warned that anyone found violating the new regulations would face legal consequences.
The latest Katsina security measures reflect the state government’s intensified response to persistent security challenges in Matazu, Musawa and surrounding communities. Authorities believe the restrictions will help disrupt criminal networks while creating conditions for improved security and stability across the affected areas.
