Katsina State Government has called on residents living in security-prone communities to cooperate by giving actionable intelligence reports that would help tackle insecurity.

The state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Muazu, who made the call yesterday, said lack of cooperation by residents was a major reason why insecurity has continued to persist in some parts of the state.

He cited an example of a case where security operatives lost their lives following an ambush by bandits, due to failure by residents to cooperate by divulging actionable intelligence reports.

“A group of bandits went to a certain community in the state and told residents that they wanted to ambush a military unit in the area. They told them to stay indoors once it’s 7pm.

“Sadly, the community members kept the information to themselves as they refused to inform the government or the security operatives of the impending attack.

“They chose to stay indoors, and the bandits ambushed the military unit where they killed three of their personnel. They also set fire to an operational vehicle worth N500 million.”

Muazu also cited another incident where a fighter jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) was forced to fly for 17 hours non-stop because residents were unwilling to help by pointing out a bandits’ location.

“A NAF jet flew to a location in the state where bandits were sighted with the view of conducting an air raid in the area. The plane left at about 8am.

“Residents of the area were supposed to give information about the location of the bandits, but they refused to do so, and the pilot had to fly for several hours non-stop, from 8am to 1am.”

He lamented that several other cases existed where there was failure in tackling insecurity due to lack of cooperation from residents who don’t want to come forward with actionable security information.

Muazu assured that information from anyone with intelligence reports would be treated in confidence, and that such selfless action would help save lives and decimate the bandits.

“Security is a community-driven effort. We urge everyone to contribute to this noble cause. Our doors are open for anyone willing to assist,” he said.