State Directors of the Department of State Services (DSS) from the Northwest recently convened in Katsina to advocate for enhanced intelligence sharing and unified operational strategies. The conference, themed “Unite Against Terror,” focused on addressing the persistent threats of banditry and terrorism plaguing the region.
Katsina State Director of Security, Alhaji Alhassan Iliyasu, emphasized that the meeting allowed agencies to analyze current security hurdles and formulate collective countermeasures. He noted that the resulting roadmap would prioritize collaboration between security forces, local communities, and vigilante groups.
Brigadier General Ishaya Ibrahim, Commander of the 17 Brigade, highlighted that while military force is necessary, its success depends on actionable intelligence provided by the DSS. He stressed that closing communication gaps through real-time data sharing is vital to outmaneuvering criminals who exploit coordination weaknesses.
Representing Governor Dikko Radda, Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal-Jobe stated that Katsina has seen progress through a mix of military action and socio-economic support. The state government continues to provide medical aid to victims and agricultural assistance to impacted regions, reinforcing the importance of a holistic approach to security.