As festive season looms, citizens urged to be vigilant, patriotic
BY:Abdullahi Inuwa
In a bold move to tighten security along Katsina’s porous frontiers, the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Katsina State Directorate, has rolled out a security awareness campaign across key border local government areas of the state, targeting communities most vulnerable to cross-border crimes.
The campaign, which kicked off on Monday in Jibia town, covers Jibia, Kaita, Mashi, Mai’adua, Zango and Baure LGAs, and is aimed at educating residents on the dangers of cross-border criminal activities while mobilising them to support government efforts to end insecurity in Katsina State and Nigeria at large.
Launching the initiative, the State Director of NOA, Alhaji Muntari Lawal Tsagem, warned that criminal elements often exploit festive periods to infiltrate the country through illegal and informal border routes.
According to him, such infiltrators include drug traffickers, arms smugglers and violent hoodlums, whose activities have continued to fuel insecurity across the nation.
“Border communities are the first line of defence,” Tsagem said, urging residents to report suspicious persons or movements promptly to security agencies to enable swift response.
The NOA boss stressed that community vigilance and cooperation remain critical in defeating insecurity, noting that government efforts alone would not suffice without the active participation of citizens.
He further called on residents to demonstrate patriotism, loyalty and respect for the nation, while cautioning parents and guardians to closely monitor their children to prevent them from falling into drug abuse, criminality or recruitment by armed groups.
In a message of regional harmony, Alhaji Tsagem appealed to traditional, community and religious leaders in the border areas to continue promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect with neighbouring communities in the Niger Republic, while remaining law-abiding and committed to their civic duties.
The NOA Director also commended Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, for what he described as his unrelenting and courageous efforts to confront the state’s security challenges.
He urged the people of Katsina to rally behind the governor, stressing that collective support is essential to restoring peace and making Katsina State safe and great again.
The campaign underscores the growing emphasis on grassroots participation, community intelligence and national consciousness as vital tools in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity—especially in sensitive border regions.
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