Katsina Shuts POS Centres, Restricts Fuel Sales In Fresh Anti-Banditry Crackdown

The Katsina State Government has rolled out stringent security measures, including the closure of POS businesses and a ban on motorcycle operations in two local government areas, as part of efforts to disrupt bandit and kidnapper activities.

The governor also banned the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans across the state, while prohibiting motorcycle use in the two affected LGAs.

Radda announced the directives through an executive order following an emergency security meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders, according to a statement issued on Tuesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed.

The governor said intelligence reports indicated that POS operators and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa were being exploited by criminal groups to support banditry and kidnapping activities.

He explained that the restriction on petroleum products in jerrycans was aimed at preventing fuel supplies from reaching criminal elements in remote hideouts, while the motorcycle ban was designed to disrupt the mobility of bandits and kidnappers.

Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, urging residents to comply with the directives and assist security agencies with credible information. He warned that anyone found violating the measures would face legal consequences.