Katsina State Governor, Dr. Dikko Radda, has called on the Federal Government to establish a military outfit in the southern part of the state to address the security challenges bedevilling the area.

Governor Radda made the call during a courtesy visit by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to the Government House.

The southern part of the state has faced much of the security challenges due to the proximity of most of the council areas to the dreaded Rugu forest.

The forest, which extends to more than a dozen council areas, also stretches to neighbouring states like Zamfara, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Niger Republic.

It is reported that most of the terrorists causing mayhem in the state have hideouts in the forest, from where they launch attacks on hapless residents.

The governor said that having a military outfit in southern Katsina would go a long way in addressing the frequent attacks, kidnappings, and rustlings recorded in the area.

He said the state government was also not resting on its oars in its efforts to address insecurity, but was taking proactive measures to combat the menace.

He said part of the measures was the establishment of a local security outfit named Katsina Community Security Watch to complement existing security forces.

He said there are plans to expand the outfit, stating, “We have concluded arrangements to train another set of community watch corps to operate in ten additional local government areas, augmenting the 1,466 personnel already on the ground.”

Radda also outlined a comprehensive Community Development Programme designed to involve local communities in activities that enhance safety across the state.

“This program includes a 25-member committee responsible for identifying areas of need and exposing criminals and their accomplices.”

Earlier, General Christopher Musa said his visit was part of a tour of the entire north-west region of the country to assess the security situation.

Musa said the military was committed to restoring peace and security in the region and stressed the importance of citizen support in achieving this goal.

He commended Governor Radda for coming up with the Katsina Community Security Watch, which, according to him, would go a long way in improving security in the state.

Musa said the outfit was important in the effort to combat insurgency as security operatives could not be everywhere.

He, therefore, pleaded for the cooperation of all citizens of the state in achieving the set goal of restoring peace in Katsina State and the entire North.

The Chief of Defence Staff, accompanied by high-ranking military officers, also expressed condolences to the government, families, and people of the state over the passing of Hajiya Dada, mother of late President Umaru Musa Yar’adua.

General Musa offered prayers for the deceased and her family.