Katsina Bans POS, Phone Charging & Black Market Fuel Sales In Fresh Move To Curb Banditry

According to Ireporter Online, the Katsina State Government has introduced a series of stringent security measures aimed at addressing rising cases of banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal activities across the state.

The new directives, approved under an Executive Order following an emergency security meeting involving security agencies, traditional leaders, and other key stakeholders, include a statewide prohibition on the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans.

The government explained that the decision was informed by intelligence reports linking the movement of fuel in containers to the sustenance of armed criminal groups operating in remote forest areas. It stated that the restriction is intended to cut off logistical support to bandits and significantly weaken their operational capabilities.

In addition, the state government ordered the immediate shutdown of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas. Authorities noted that security assessments revealed that some of these facilities were being exploited by criminal elements to facilitate communication and financial transactions.

The Executive Order also placed a ban on the use of motorcycles within the affected local government areas, a move the government said would restrict the mobility of bandits who often rely on motorcycles to move between communities and execute attacks.

The administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reaffirmed that safeguarding lives and property remains its top priority, assuring residents of continued collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and stability across the state.

The governor further urged citizens to comply fully with the new directives and support ongoing security operations by providing timely and credible information on suspicious movements within their communities.

He warned that anyone found violating the Executive Order would face strict sanctions, stressing that the effectiveness of the measures depends largely on public cooperation and strict enforcement by relevant authorities.

The state government maintained that the latest interventions form part of broader efforts to dismantle criminal support networks and ensure a safer environment for residents and economic activities across Katsina State.