The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasir Muazu, has provided detailed insights into why efforts to end banditry and kidnapping in the state remain largely unsuccessful.
Speaking during a press briefing at the Government House, Muazu disclosed that certain individuals within the affected communities actively support the bandits by providing them with essential goods and services—often at inflated prices—thereby profiting from the crisis.
“Fuel is sold to the bandits for as much as N5,000 per litre, while a bottle of soft drink is sold for about N3,000,” he revealed.
Muazu lamented that despite the efforts of security forces, informants within the communities pose a major obstacle. He stated that up to 80% of the banditry and kidnapping activities in the state involve insiders who aid the criminals.
“Some shop owners in these communities deliberately sell supplies to the bandits at exorbitant rates, making community cooperation with security agencies extremely difficult,” he said.
He cited a case where an individual was found selling a bottle of soda for N3,000 and fuel for N5,000 per litre to the criminals. He further explained that pharmaceutical products, which are normally affordable, are being sold to the bandits for millions of naira.
Muazu also revealed instances of direct collusion between community members and criminal gangs. “In one shocking case, a man arranged the abduction of his diabetic father. When the victim was taken to the forest, the bandits had already obtained the necessary medication for his condition,” he said.
According to him, N30 million was paid in ransom, out of which N8 million was handed to the son who facilitated the abduction.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the influence of informants extends to strategic government infrastructure, including the Katsina airport. He noted that these informants alert bandits whenever Nigerian Air Force jets depart for operations, undermining planned airstrikes.
Despite these setbacks, Muazu affirmed that the state government has made progress in combating insecurity in several Local Government Areas through the deployment of kinetic strategies. However, he emphasized the need for complementary non-kinetic measures to achieve sustainable peace.
