Katsina govt procures 10 locally-made APCs to fight bandits

The Katsina State Government has procured 10 locally-made Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) to enhance security in the state.

Inspecting the APCs in Katsina on Tuesday, Governor Bello Masari said about N100 million was spent on the procurement.

He said the APCs which were made in Kebbi State would be given to security agencies to confront bandits hiding in forests in the state.

“The 10 APCs are in addition to what the army and the police provided. I wish to inform you that in Katsina State, we now have over 30 APCs.

“I also met with the Inspector-General of Police and he has also given us two additional ones. They are now under repair in Kaduna; we will pay for the repair and bring them here.

“Also, there is another company in Kaduna that gave us quotation, and we are going to see how we can get more from there, so that we can get adequate security in the state,” he said.

The governor added that the state government was doing everything possible to provide relief for people affected by bandits’ attacks across the state.

Masari stated that the state was collaborating with the Federal Government to provide succour for those affected by insurgency.

The governor, however, commended security operatives in the state for their efforts, and their prompt responses to distress calls.

“Responses by the security agencies have improved compared to what it was before now. If we continue in this direction, with the support of the people, we are going to win the war.

“Our biggest problem now is the connivance by informants that expose targets. Any abduction or kidnap these days is the work of an informer.

“The general public need to be more alert in identifying these bad eggs in our societies and report them to appropriate authorities.

“We will continue with our efforts, we will win, God willing. There is no doubt about it, we will win; we will overcome.

“Certainly it is a very challenging time. And the government and the operatives are equal to the task of dealing with the situation,” Governor Masari stated.

The Star

Segun Ojo