The Katsina State Government has announced fresh security measures, including the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) businesses and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas.

The government also banned the sale, purchase, transportation and storage of petroleum products in jerrycans across the state, while prohibiting the use of motorcycles in the two affected local government areas.

Governor Dikko Radda announced the directives in an executive order issued after an emergency security meeting with security agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

According to a statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula-Mohammed, the measures are aimed at tackling banditry and kidnapping in the state.

Radda said security assessments revealed that POS outlets and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa were being used by criminal networks to facilitate their activities.

He explained that the restriction on petroleum products in jerrycans was intended to prevent fuel supplies from reaching criminal groups operating in remote locations.

The governor added that the ban on motorcycles in the two local government areas is designed to disrupt the movement and operations of bandits and kidnappers, who frequently rely on motorcycles for transportation.

Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to restore lasting peace across the state.

He urged residents to comply with the new directives and support security agencies with credible information, warning that anyone found violating the order would face the full weight of the law.