In a bold move to reinforce regional security, the Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, today led a high-powered delegation of Northwest leaders to a crucial closed-door meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
The high-stakes session, held away from the cameras, focused on re-strategizing security architecture across the Northwest, following recent operational gains by the Nigerian military against armed banditry and insurgency.
Governor Radda was accompanied by Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Sokoto State Deputy Governor Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, and the Secretary to the Kebbi State Government, Alhaji Yakubu Bala—signaling a united front against the escalating insecurity that has plagued the region.
Sources familiar with the talks described them as “frank, intense, and solution-driven,” with emphasis on enhanced synergy between the military and local authorities, and sustained pressure on criminal enclaves across forested zones spanning the Northwest.
Governor Radda, known for his proactive stance on security, reportedly stressed the need for a regionally coordinated response to banditry, insurgency, and cross-border crimes, especially in rural and hard-to-reach areas where terror cells continue to operate.
The meeting, insiders say, also explored new intelligence-sharing frameworks, the deployment of modern surveillance technologies, and grassroots engagement to curb recruitment into criminal gangs.
General Musa, on his part, reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to restoring peace and promised deeper collaboration with the state governments.
Today’s meeting marks a significant escalation in the fightback against insecurity in the Northwest—and signals the readiness of both civilian and military leadership to move from reaction to prevention.
As the region awaits the outcome of this high-level interface, many believe this could be a turning point in the war against banditry.
The message is clear: The Northwest is closing ranks—and bandits beware.
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