Katsina bans fuel sales in jerrycans and motorcycles in two LGAs due to insecurity

The Katsina State Government has banned the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of fuel in jerrycans. This is part of new steps to fight banditry and kidnapping in the state.

Governor Dikko Radda announced these restrictions through an Executive Order after an emergency meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers, and other key people on Monday night.

The new order also stops the use of motorcycles, Point of Sale (POS) businesses, and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa local government areas. These two areas have had serious security problems in recent months.

In a statement on Tuesday from the governor’s spokesperson, Ibrahim Mohammed, the government explained that these measures aim to disrupt the activities of criminal groups. They want to limit how these groups get logistics and communication support.

"As part of the Executive Order, the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans have been banned across Katsina State with immediate effect. This measure is to prevent fuel supplies from getting into the hands of criminals operating in remote areas," the statement said.

The government noted that security assessments showed that some POS outlets and commercial charging centres in Matazu and Musawa were being used by criminals to help their activities.

"The governor also ordered the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone charging points in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas. Security assessments have shown that these places are being used by criminal networks to support their activities," the statement added.

Under this new order, motorcycles are banned throughout the two local government areas. The government believes this will make it harder for bandits and kidnappers, who often use motorcycles, to attack and escape from security forces.

These new restrictions come as security agencies are stepping up operations against armed groups in parts of Katsina State. On Monday, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, with support from the Nigerian Air Force, rescued Amina Abubakar, the widow of the late Rabe Abubakar, during an operation in Matazu Local Government Area.

Rabe Abubakar, a retired army major-general and former Director of Defence Information, was kidnapped with his wife on May 30 along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu. He died in captivity, raising public concern and calls for stronger action against bandits in the area.

The military reported that Mrs Abubakar was injured during the rescue operation after bandits shot at her before fleeing from the troops. She is receiving treatment at a military hospital.

Governor Radda visited Mrs Abubakar on Tuesday at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina. He praised the troops involved in the rescue mission.

The statement noted that the governor commended the personnel of Operation FANSAN YAMMA for their professionalism and bravery. He described their efforts as a source of hope for residents facing insecurity.

Mr Radda emphasized that protecting lives and property is the administration’s top priority. He warned that anyone who breaks the new rules will face penalties.

He urged residents to work with security agencies by following the restrictions and providing useful information to help ongoing security operations. "The state government will not treat anyone who breaks these directives lightly," the statement quoted the governor as saying.

Katsina is one of the states in Nigeria’s North-west region facing ongoing attacks by armed bandits. These bandits are linked to mass abductions, killings, and cattle rustling across many communities.