Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has declared that governors of the North-West zone have a collective and non-negotiable duty to unite and secure their people, insisting that the responsibility for protecting lives and property cannot be outsourced.

Governor Radda made the declaration at the graduation ceremony of 2,000 pioneer members of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps, describing the event as a major milestone in strengthening community-based security across the region.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the Governor said the graduation symbolised a renewed regional resolve to confront insecurity through unity, collaboration and local ownership.
The statement reads partly:“This graduation symbolises a united resolve by the governors of Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi to defend our region. It reflects our shared commitment to confront our security challenges together and to protect our people with courage and responsibility.

“As governors of the North-West—Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi—we carry this responsibility together. We have both the mandate and the moral duty to protect our people, preserve their dignity and secure their communities with the strength Allah has placed upon our shoulders.

“Let me speak clearly to our people: no one will come from far away to defend our dignity, our parents and our communities except us ourselves. No one will come from Enugu or Port Harcourt to protect the values and safety of our local communities. This responsibility belongs to us.

“Banditry and criminality cut across states, which is why our response must also be regional, coordinated and united. Our unity remains our greatest strength.”
Governor Radda stressed that leadership in the North-West transcends state boundaries and requires collective action, especially as insecurity continues to spread across the region.

He described security as a divine trust, adding that community-driven initiatives remain central to building trust, strengthening intelligence gathering and sustaining peace.
According to him, the graduation of the Kano Neighbourhood Watch Corps represents a decisive step towards empowering local communities to take ownership of their safety.
“Security must be defended by local communities themselves. This is how trust is built, intelligence is strengthened and peace is sustained,” he said.

Highlighting Katsina State’s security efforts, the Governor disclosed that the state has deployed 6,696 trained community security personnel across its local government areas.
He revealed that the state government has also provided more than 1,600 motorcycles, 102 Hilux patrol vehicles, 21 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 1,500 tactical kits, 2,750 Pro-Action rifles and 1,500 upgraded AK-47 rifles to support security operations.

“These investments are deliberate. They reflect our clear understanding that security is the foundation of development, peace and social stability,” Radda said.
Addressing the newly graduated operatives, the Governor urged them to discharge their duties with discipline, honesty and fear of God.

“You are entrusted with the protection of lives, property and the dignity of your communities. Carry out this responsibility with integrity and a deep sense of service,” he charged.
Radda described the ceremony as more than a formal event, calling it a binding commitment between governments and the people of the North-West to stand together against insecurity.

Earlier, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, described the inauguration of the 2,000 Neighbourhood Watch Corps members as a strategic move to strengthen internal security and deepen community policing in the state.
Governor Yusuf said the initiative was designed to tackle insecurity at the grassroots level while creating employment opportunities for youths, particularly in vulnerable and border communities.
He disclosed that the Kano State Government has provided 88 Hilux patrol vehicles and 440 motorcycles across the state’s 44 local government areas to support the operations of the corps.

According to him, the vigilantes will work closely with the Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the military through coordinated intelligence sharing.

Former Minister of Defence, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, commended the initiative and urged the Federal Government to expand recruitment into the Nigerian Armed Forces, stressing that increased manpower is critical to addressing the country’s security challenges.
Similarly, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, emphasised the importance of community participation and collaboration with traditional institutions, noting that sustainable security can only be achieved through trust, cooperation and grassroots engagement.

The ceremony attracted representatives of governors from Jigawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto and Kebbi states, federal lawmakers, members of the National Executive Council, state executive councils from Kano and Katsina, business leaders and representatives of various organisations.