Katsina Cracks Down on Bandits: Government Bans Jerrycan Fuel Sales, Suspends POS, Motorcycles in Fresh Security Offensive

Katsina Cracks Down on Bandits: Government Bans Jerrycan Fuel Sales, Suspends POS, Motorcycles in Fresh Security Offensive

June 16, 2026

The Katsina State Government has launched a sweeping new security offensive aimed at crippling the operations of bandits and other criminal groups, introducing a statewide ban on the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of fuel in jerrycans.

The latest measures, announced through an Executive Order signed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, come amid growing concerns over persistent attacks and the increasing sophistication of criminal networks operating across various parts of the state.

The decision followed an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers and other key stakeholders who reviewed the security situation and agreed on urgent steps needed to cut off logistical support to armed groups.

According to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the restrictions are part of a broader strategy designed to weaken the operational capacity of bandits and restore lasting peace to affected communities.

Under the new directives, the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been prohibited throughout Katsina State with immediate effect.

Government officials explained that intelligence reports revealed that criminal elements operating from forests and remote hideouts heavily depend on fuel transported in containers to power their motorcycles, generators and communication equipment.

Authorities said the unrestricted movement of fuel in jerrycans had become a major supply chain sustaining criminal activities, making it necessary for the government to intervene decisively.

Governor Radda noted that disrupting access to essential supplies would significantly undermine the ability of armed groups to coordinate attacks, move across territories and maintain their camps.

In another major move, the government announced a ban on motorcycle operations, Point of Sale (POS) services and phone-charging businesses in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

Security assessments, according to the government, showed that some of these services were being exploited by criminal networks for transportation, financial transactions and communication purposes.

Officials stated that criminal elements had increasingly adapted to modern methods of operation, using legitimate businesses and everyday services to facilitate their activities while avoiding detection by security operatives.

The administration stressed that the restrictions are temporary but necessary measures intended to protect residents and strengthen ongoing military and security operations across vulnerable communities.

Governor Radda also appealed to citizens to cooperate fully with security agencies by adhering to the directives and reporting suspicious movements or activities to the appropriate authorities.

He emphasised that the fight against insecurity requires collective responsibility and urged community leaders, religious institutions and residents to actively support government efforts.

The Katsina State Government expressed optimism that the latest measures would disrupt the operational networks of bandits, reduce attacks on communities and create a safer environment for residents.

Katsina remains one of the states in Nigeria's North-West region that has faced years of armed banditry, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities, forcing governments at various levels to adopt tougher security strategies to combat the menace.

Authorities insist that cutting off access to resources that sustain criminal operations is a critical step toward restoring peace and ensuring long-term stability across the state