Katsina Govt Shuts Down PoS Centres, Bans Petrol Sales In Jerrycans, Motorcycles

The Katsina State Government has introduced fresh security measures aimed at tackling the growing cases of banditry and kidnapping in parts of the state.

Under the new directives, all Point-of-Sale (PoS) businesses and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas have been ordered to shut down immediately.

The government also banned the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petrol and other petroleum products in jerrycans across the state, adding that the use of motorcycles has been restricted in both Matazu and Musawa.

Governor Dikko Radda announced the measures in an executive order issued after an emergency security meeting attended by security agencies, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.

A statement on Tuesday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, said intelligence reports revealed that some PoS outlets and phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa were being used by criminal groups to support their operations.

The government said shutting down these businesses in the affected areas is part of efforts to cut off channels allegedly being exploited by bandits and kidnappers.

Radda explained that the ban on petroleum products in jerrycans was introduced to stop fuel supplies from reaching criminals hiding in remote locations.

He added that restricting motorcycle movement in Matazu and Musawa would help security agencies limit the movement of bandits, who are known to use motorcycles to carry out attacks and escape from crime scenes.

The governor stressed that safeguarding lives and property remains one of the top priorities of his administration.

He assured residents that the state government would continue to collaborate closely with security agencies to restore peace and improve security across Katsina.

Radda also appealed to members of the public to obey the new directives and cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information that could aid ongoing operations.

He warned that anyone who violates the restrictions would be prosecuted according to the law.

The governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to taking all legal steps necessary to ensure that communities across the state remain safe and suitable for social and economic activities.

KanyiDaily recalls that the Katsina State Government recently revealed why it plans to help secure the release of 70 suspected bandits, saying the move is tied to ongoing peace efforts in troubled communities.