As part of efforts to curb insecurity and disrupt the activities of bandits in the state, the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Umaru Radda, has announced an immediate statewide ban on the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans.

The directive was issued through a new Executive Order following an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.

According to the governor, the restriction is aimed at preventing the supply of fuel to criminal groups operating in forests and other remote hideouts.

The Executive Order also directed the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) outlets and commercial phone-charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas. The government said intelligence reports and security assessments showed that some of these facilities were allegedly being used by criminal networks to coordinate and sustain their operations.

In addition, the order imposed a total ban on the use of motorcycles in Matazu and Musawa LGAs, a move intended to restrict the movement of bandits and kidnappers who often use motorcycles to launch attacks and evade security forces.

Governor Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property, stressing continued collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and stability across the state.

He also warned that anyone who violates the Executive Order will face strict sanctions, adding that the government will not tolerate any breach of the directives.