The Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasir Muazu, has explained why efforts to end banditry and kidnapping remain difficult in the state.
He spoke during a press briefing held at the Government House, Katsina.
Locals Allegedly Profit from Bandit Activities
Muazu said some residents supply essential goods to bandits and make huge profits.
“Fuel is sold to bandits at N5,000 per litre. A bottle of soft drink goes for as high as N3,000,” he revealed.
He added that community members who own shops often sell goods at inflated prices to the criminals. This makes cooperation with security forces difficult.
Informants Fueling the Crisis
The Commissioner said informants play a major role in the spread of banditry.
“Informants are involved in about 80% of all cases of kidnapping and attacks,” he said.
He cited a case where a man colluded with bandits to kidnap his diabetic father. The criminals even stocked up on diabetic medication before the abduction.
The family later paid a ransom of N30 million. The son who helped plan the crime received N8 million.
Muazu also warned that informants have infiltrated the Katsina airport.
“These informants tip off bandits whenever Nigerian Air Force jets take off for operations,” he said.
Such alerts often cause the airstrikes to fail, he noted.
Government Strategy and Progress
Despite these challenges, Muazu said the government has made gains in some local councils.
He explained that kinetic military actions have helped but stressed the need for non-kinetic solutions like community engagement.
“To truly end this crisis, we need both force and dialogue,” he concluded.
