The Katsina State government has announced a ban on sale, purchase, transportation and storage of fuel in jerrycans in katsina as a security measures aimed at cutting off logistical support to bandits and other criminal groups operating across the state.
The new directives were unveiled through an Executive Order issued by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda following an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional rulers and other critical stakeholders to review the security situation across the state.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the measures are part of a broader strategy to weaken the operational capacity of criminal groups and improve security in affected communities.
The statement revealed that under the new directives, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been prohibited throughout Katsina State with immediate effect.
Authorities said the decision was taken to prevent fuel from being diverted to bandits and other criminal elements operating in forests and remote hideouts across the state.
The government explained that intelligence reports had linked the movement of fuel in containers to the sustenance of criminal activities, prompting the administration to take decisive action.
It noted that Governor Radda observed that fuel transported in jerrycans had become a critical supply channel for armed groups, making it necessary for the government to disrupt the flow of resources sustaining their operations.
In addition to the statewide fuel restrictions, the government imposed a ban on motorcycle operations, Point of Sale (POS) services and phone-charging businesses in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.
Officials said security assessments indicated that some of these services were being exploited by criminal elements for transportation, communication and financial transactions in areas affected by insecurity.
The government stressed that the restrictions form part of ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in communities facing persistent security threats.
Governor Radda also called on residents to support security agencies by complying with the new directives and providing credible information that could assist ongoing operations against criminal groups.
The governor further warned that violators of the Executive Order would face strict sanctions, emphasizing that the government would not show leniency to defaulters.
“These latest measures form part of broader efforts to dismantle support structures for criminal groups and create a safer environment for residents and economic activities throughout the state,” the statement added.
Authorities expressed optimism that the measures would strengthen ongoing security operations and contribute to lasting peace across Katsina State.
