Security: A collective responsibility we must all uphold

From fear to resilience: Radda leads, but true victory lies in the hands of a united Katsina people

From Fauziyya Lawal, Katsina

Insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Nigeria today, with communities across the country grappling with varying degrees of violence, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism. Katsina State, a region once known for its rich agricultural potential and peaceful communities, has in recent years been affected by the scourge of banditry and related criminal activities. The trauma endured by affected families, the displacement of thousands from their ancestral homes and the disruption of normal life across many rural areas speak to the grave consequences of insecurity.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, one truth remains constant! Security is not the exclusive duty of government and security agencies alone. It is and must be, a collective responsibility that requires the full engagement of every member of society. No matter how well equipped or trained security forces may be, their efforts will always fall short if communities remain silent, indifferent or complicit in the face of threats to peace and order.

As the saying goes, “If you see something, say something.” It is not just a slogan, it is a civic duty. The safety of our neighborhoods, our roads, our farms and our schools hinges on the vigilance and cooperation of citizens. When people choose silence over action, when they shield wrongdoers because of familial ties or misguided loyalties, they contribute wittingly or not to the deterioration of public safety.

Katsina’s struggle against banditry has not only exposed the limitations of conventional security responses but it has also spotlighted the critical role of community intelligence and local collaboration. Many of the criminal elements terrorizing villages are not foreigners. They are familiar faces, individuals who were born, raised and known within these same communities. In some distressing instances, criminal acts have been orchestrated by family members themselves, with reports of young men facilitating the abduction of their own parents for ransom. Such betrayals underline the urgent need for introspection and societal recalibration.

This moment calls for a unified response, a gathering at the metaphorical “big round table” where all stakeholders commit to uprooting insecurity from its foundation. It means choosing justice over kinship when necessary. It means empowering our traditional leaders, youth groups, women associations and local vigilante units to serve as the eyes and ears of society. And it means fully supporting security personnel who risk their lives daily to protect us.

We cannot ignore the sacrifices already made. Gallant members of the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Civil Defence Corps and the Local Community Security Watch have fallen in the line of duty. They paid the ultimate price in service of peace. Their efforts deserve not just our gratitude but our active participation in sustaining the safety they died fighting for.

Against this backdrop, the leadership of Governor Dikko Umar Radda offers renewed hope and direction in the collective mission to reclaim Katsina State from the grip of insecurity. Since assuming office, Governor Radda has prioritized security as the cornerstone of his administration, adopting a multifaceted approach that blends firm military action with inclusive community engagement and compassionate intervention for victims.

Governor Radda’s administration has taken proactive steps to combat the menace of banditry. Working closely with security agencies, the state government has bolstered the operational capacities of law enforcement units through the provision of logistics, vehicles, communication tools and incentives. But more importantly, he understands that the war against insecurity cannot be won on the battlefield alone. It must be fought in the hearts and minds of the people.

One of the administration’s most commendable strategies is its commitment to engaging grassroots actors. Traditional title holders, religious leaders and community based vigilante groups are now integral to the state’s security architecture. Their insights and presence serve as both deterrents to criminal activities and bridges for intelligence gathering.

In communities where local vigilante teams have been empowered and trained, bandit attacks have significantly reduced. These homegrown security structures, when properly coordinated with formal security agencies, ensure rapid response to threats and build local resilience against violent incursions. It is a model of community policing that other regions facing similar challenges can learn from.

While security operations continue, the state government has not lost sight of the need to rebuild and restore the lives of victims. Thousands of internally displaced persons IDPs in Katsina have suffered immense loss homes burned, farmlands abandoned, family members murdered or kidnapped. Recognizing the emotional and psychological toll of such tragedies, the Radda led administration has implemented several humanitarian initiatives aimed at restoring dignity and hope to affected populations.

A landmark initiative is the provision of free education for IDP children. Many of these children had their academic journeys halted by violence, forced to trade schoolbooks for survival. Through this program, IDP children are now being reintegrated into classrooms, receiving not only tuition free learning but also uniforms, textbooks and feeding. This effort reflects a commitment not just to restore normalcy but to invest in a future where such children do not become vulnerable to the lure of crime or extremism.

Health care, another critical pillar of post crisis recovery, is also receiving significant attention. Pregnant women, children and elderly individuals among IDPs and affected communities now benefit from free medical services. This includes maternal care, immunizations and emergency treatments all funded by the state government to ensure that the health of the vulnerable is not neglected.

Perhaps one of the most empowering aspects of the government’s response is its focus on economic rehabilitation. For families whose farms have been destroyed and whose businesses have collapsed due to banditry, financial assistance is being provided to help them rebuild. The state has introduced soft grants and microcredit programs targeted at small scale farmers, market women and artisans affected by insecurity. These interventions are not mere handouts, they are tools for long term economic recovery and stability.

Governor Radda’s vision goes beyond crisis management. His policies reflect a deep understanding that insecurity is often a symptom of deeper issues, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and social dislocation. By tackling these root causes, his administration is laying the groundwork for a more secure and prosperous Katsina.

However, no policy or program can succeed without the buy in of the people. This is why the narrative must change. The fight against banditry is not “their” problem, it is “our” fight. The presence of security checkpoints, the training of vigilante units, the provision of relief to IDPs these are only parts of the puzzle. The final piece lies in civic responsibility. In choosing to report suspicious movements. In choosing to discourage our youths from joining criminal gangs. In choosing not to harbor criminals for the sake of blood ties.

Too often, communities have chosen silence over justice. Informants and collaborators of bandits are tolerated because they are seen as “our own.” This culture of complicity must end. There can be no neutrality in the face of evil. As Edmund Burke famously said, “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

It is time for Katsina to rewrite its security story! From one of helplessness to one of resilience. From the ashes of destruction, a new spirit of unity and vigilance must rise. Citizens must stand shoulder to shoulder with government and security agencies. Religious leaders must preach peace and truth. Women, often the worst hit by insecurity, must be given a voice in community decision making. Youths, the heartbeat of society, must channel their energies into building rather than destroying.

Already, signs of progress are emerging. Reports from many rural communities indicate a marked decline in attacks and displaced persons are slowly returning to their ancestral homes. Markets are reopening. Schools are recording higher attendance. The state’s agricultural activities long stifled by fear are regaining momentum.

Still, the road ahead remains long. The fight against insecurity is not a sprint; it is a marathon. But with committed leadership, informed citizens and continued collaboration, Katsina can and will overcome.

In the end, the lesson is clear: security is everyone’s business. The government can set the tone, provide resources and lead the charge. But it is the people who must echo the call, hold the line and guard the peace.

Let us all rise to the task. Let us defend our communities not just with weapons but with vigilance, with truth, with unity and with a shared vision of a safer tomorrow.