The Acting Governor of Katsina State, Malam Faruk Lawal Jobe, has forged a stronger alliance with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede, to crush banditry and kidnapping terrorising the state.
Jobe disclosed this at the Government House in Katsina where he hosted the COAS on Monday.
The Acting Governor said, “The battle against insecurity is ongoing and far from over. Our task now is to cooperate fully, provide timely intelligence, and work together to save lives and restore peace.”
Jobe also announced expanded government support for military operations, including increased funding for personnel, equipment, and the “Community Watch Corps” programme to boost local recruitment.
He praised recent military successes, particularly air operations that secured the rescue of 76 kidnapped victims, describing the swift response as exemplary.
“The Chief of Army Staff has pledged increased support in both personnel and operational assets. We must ensure full cooperation,” Jobe said.
Responding, COAS Oluyede, who led a high-powered delegation including officers from GOC-17 Brigade, stressed that security requires collective effort.
He said, “While we have personnel within a limited operational space, we cannot succeed without active support from the people. The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Your cooperation is vital to making Katsina State safer”.
He commended the state government’s exceptional support to troops and extended condolences to families who lost loved ones to bandit attacks.
“Such tragedies strengthen our resolve to secure communities,” Oluyede said, adding that discussions with the Acting Governor would shape future strategic interventions.
The Acting Governor and the COAS jointly thanked President Bola Tinubu for deploying a strong delegation to assess Katsina’s security situation and provide additional support.
The meeting had in attendance top government functionaries including Mal. Falalu Bawale, Head of Civil Service; Nasir Muazu Danmusa, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs; Usman Isyaku, Special Adviser on Government Reform; Muntari Aliyu Saulawa, Deputy Chief of Staff; Faisal Kaita, Commissioner for Land and Regional Planning; Bashir Tanimu, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; Dr. Isah Muhammad, Commissioner for Higher Education; Tanimu Lawal Saulawa, Special Adviser to the Governor; Yahaya Aliyu, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Special Duties
The COAS was accompanied by Major-General Uhu Shote, Commander of the Division of Farsan Yanma; Major-General I.A. Ajose, General Staff Commanding, 8th Division; Major-General A.A. Idris, Chief of Military Intelligence; Major-General M.O. Erebelu, Provost-Marshal Army; Air Commodore G.I. Jibia, Commander of the Nigerian Airforce; Brigadier-General B.O. Omapariola, Commander of the 17th Brigade
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