Katsina Bans Fuel Sales in Jerrycans, Restricts Motorcycles to Tackle Insecurity

By Margaret Abah

Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina State has announced a fresh set of security measures aimed at curbing banditry and kidnapping, including a ban on the sale and transportation of petroleum products in jerrycans and restrictions on motorcycle use in parts of the state.

The measures were contained in an Executive Order issued after an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders, according to a statement released on Tuesday by the Governor's Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed.

Under the new directives, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been prohibited across the state with immediate effect. The government said the move is intended to prevent fuel supplies from reaching criminal groups operating in remote areas.

The state government also ordered the immediate closure of all Point-of-Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, citing security reports indicating that such facilities were being exploited by criminal networks.

In addition, the use of motorcycles has been banned in the two local government areas as part of efforts to disrupt the movement and operations of bandits and kidnappers who often rely on motorcycles for transportation.

Radda reaffirmed that the protection of lives and property remains a top priority of his administration and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and stability across the state.

He urged residents to support ongoing security efforts by complying with the directives and providing useful information to security agencies when necessary.

The governor also warned that violators of the new measures would face the full weight of the law.

"The Katsina State Government remains committed to taking all lawful and necessary measures to ensure that communities across the state remain safe, secure and conducive to economic and social activities," the statement said.