Graduation of a new batch of the Community Watch Corps

Bismillaahir Rahmaanir Raheem

Yaaa ayyuhal laazeena aamanus ta'eenoo bissabri was Salaah; innal laaha ma'as-saabireen

Wa laa taqooloo limai yuqtalu fee sabeelil laahi amwaat; bal ahyaaa'unw wa laakil laa tash'uroon

Wa lanablu wannakum bishai'im minal khawfi waljoo'i wa naqsim minal amwaali wal anfusi was samaraat; wa bashshiris saabireen

Allazeena izaaa asaabathum museebatun qaalooo innaa lillaahi wa innaaa ilaihi raaji'oon

Surah Baqarah (V153-157)

Distinguished guests, members of our security organisations, esteemed traditional and religious leaders, members of the press, proud families, and most importantly, our graduating community watch officers.

Assalamu Alaykum

I give all thanks and praise to Allah for bringing us together on this occasion to witness the graduation of the third batch of our Community Watch Corps members. I am filled with optimism for our future security. The Community Watch Corps is an embodiment of hope, unity, and resilience in Katsina State. We led the path for state policing out of necessity and we are grateful to Allah and all our supporters for the successes we have been able to achieve.

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each and every one of you who are graduating today. Your dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to serving our communities are commendable. You have chosen a path that requires courage and a deep sense of responsibility, and for that, we are all grateful and shall continue to support and pray for you.

When we launched the Community Watch Corps over two years ago, we were in uncharted territory. The learning curve was steep and the uncertainty was high. We were a new administration with an arduous task of bringing peace and security to many parts of the state. The only thing I was certain of was my administrations determination to bring an end to banditry in Katsina state. I campaigned on it, and the mandate and trust of the people was not going to be forsaken.

We are now adding 100 new C-WATCH members with 50 being deployed in Kankia and another 50 in Dutsin-ma to reinforce the ongoing efforts in those local government areas. Dutsin-ma borders Safana, Danmusa, and Matazu and remains an epicentre of banditry. The batch we graduate today will bring the total number of LGAs with C-WATCH presence to 20 of out 34 in the state.

The community approach is not just a strategy but a vision to empower our people to take ownership of their safety and well-being. The government believes that a community-driven approach better serves a community-driven crisis. The transition from a kinetic-focused to a non-kinetic approach to tackling insecurity has always been our objective.

I wish to use this opportunity to address conceptions about how we are achieving peace in our communities. The headlines read that the Katsina State Government is negotiating with bandits but that is far from reality. I have publicly maintained that the government will not negotiate with bandits but will always welcome peace. It is our duty and responsibility to secure lives and livelihoods and we shall pursue all means necessary to achieve and more importantly to sustain peace and security in Katsina State.

The Katsina Model is entirely community-driven with members of affected communities initiating and negotiating and peace pact with the bandits. In all cases the bandits agreed to lay down their arms, embrace peace, and commit to the security of the community. A consultative peace monitoring and evaluation committee is established in the local government which comprises of the security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, local government administrators, and representatives of the repentant bandits. The committee meets monthly and as the need arises to address all issues and any other matters for sustained peace in the community.

The role of the state government is to encourage and support the peace process while maintaining law and order in these communities. Our focus is to ensure that communities that have peace enjoy socio-economic benefits that will give our people a dignified existence. We embarked upon the Community Development Program to ensure that we address the root causes of insecurity and bring the efforts of government close to our people.

Local Governments that have reached a peace accord have so far been able to achieve sustainable peace and security with no bandit attacks. In Jibia we have witnessed 8 months without a major attack. Batsari has recorded similar success with 7 months and others including Danmusa, Safana, Faskari, and Sabuwa have witnessed relative peace and security since establishing a community peace accord. Kankara is about to initiate a peace accord and we are hopeful to Almighty Allah that peace and security will be restored to the area. Other vulnerable local governments which embraced the community peace accord include Musawa, Matazau, Dutsin-ma and Kurfi. The government is monitoring the areas closely to support sustainable peace for the people.

This ceremony is testament to the fact that the state government does not intend to relent in its efforts to fight insecurity and bandits wherever they are. Kinectic measures led by the federal government remain a vital part of our journey to total peace and security. The community peace accords will need a guardian and those who wish to return to banditry and any form of criminality will face the full force of the security agencies.

Our success so far is the result of synergising efforts with federal security organisations. By working hand in hand with the police, military, and other security agencies, we have enhanced intelligence sharing, improved response times, and coordinated operations more effectively. This partnership has been instrumental in curtailing insecurity and will continue to be a cornerstone of our strategy moving forward.

The Nigerian Airforce operates a quick response squad comprising the best-trained personnel to deal with threats in the state promptly. The gallant Nigerian Army is taking the fight to the bandits in their comfort zones, and the Nigeria Police are working closely with our communities to neutralise threats.

Within this collaborative initiative, traditional and religious institutions play a significant role. Traditional leaders serve as custodians of cultural heritage and act as foundational figures within their communities. They offer valuable insight into local affairs and have been instrumental in conflict resolution and the promotion of community cohesion. Likewise, religious leaders provide ethical and spiritual guidance, encouraging principles such as peace, tolerance, and compassion.

I urge our Community Watch Officers to maintain ongoing collaboration with these institutions. Utilize their expertise and standing to foster trust within the communities you serve. Collectively, your partnership represents a strong commitment to maintaining peace and security.

To the graduating officers, you are entrusted not only with maintaining security but also with representing the shared goals of a peaceful and prosperous Katsina State. It is essential to maintain the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and respect for human rights at all times. Your actions will reflect both on yourselves and on the reputation of the entire Community Watch Corps.

The fight for peace and security comes with a huge cost and none is higher than the lives lost by all security agencies and victims of banditry. May Allah have Mercy of them and grant them Jannatul Fir-daus. May their families be comforted by Allah and reunite us all in Jannah. Ameen.

In conclusion, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to this achievement, including the federal security agencies for their collaboration, our traditional and religious leaders for their valuable guidance, and the families of our officers for their steadfast support. Let us remain committed to working together with shared purpose and determination. While future challenges may arise, our collective strength will allow us to overcome them.

Thank you, and may Almighty Allah bless you all.