Dare Babalola
The Katsina State Directorate of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) rolled out a security awareness campaign on Monday, focusing on border communities across the state to boost vigilance and community engagement.
The State Director of the agency, Alhaji Muntari Lawal-Tsagem, announced the initiative at the campaign’s launch in Jibia Local Government Area.
According to him, the initiative aims to educate residents on the risks of cross-border crimes, such as banditry and smuggling, and mobilise them to actively support government efforts in tackling insecurity in the region.
The campaign covers Jibia, Kaita, Mashi, Mai’adua, Zango and Baure local government areas.
Lawal-Tsagem noted that criminals often take advantage of festive periods to sneak into the country, especially through informal entry points in border areas.
“Such criminals include peddlers of illicit drugs, smugglers of illegal weapons and hoodlums who contribute heavily to the nation’s security problems,” he said.
He appealed to residents of border communities to support government efforts to end insecurity by reporting suspicious activities or movements to security agencies for prompt response.
The director also called on residents to be patriotic and show respect and loyalty to the country.
He urged them to guard their children against involvement in illicit drugs and behaviours that could lure them into criminal groups.
Lawal-Tsagem further appealed to community and religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and mutual respect among neighbours.
He also urged residents to remain law-abiding and discharge their civic responsibilities diligently.
The director commended Governor Dikko Radda for what he described as his unrelenting efforts to rid the state of security challenges.
