Bandits using walkie-talkies to beat telecom shutdown – Katsina govt

The Katsina state government has said bandits have devised new strategies aimed at circumventing the impact of the Security Challenges Containment Order, by acquiring walkie-talkies.

The Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Dr. Mustapha Inuwa, made the disclosure Thursday at a press briefing organised to give an update on the Executive Order imposed to address problems of insecurity.

“A recent and most worrisome move by the criminals is the observed acquisition of Radio Frequency Walkie-Talkie Transceivers by the bandits, which they have started using. Security Agencies are however on their trail with a view to bringing the malpractice to an end,” he said.

While giving more insights, the state Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Buba, said the walkie takies were short range communication gadgets that the criminals usually acquire through online shopping platforms such as Jumia.

He said the police and other security agencies are working assiduously to ensure that such supplies are prevented from getting into the bandits and other criminals.

The SGS said monitoring of banditry related activities in the State has revealed that, the months of September and October, 2021 witnessed a decline in activities of bandits as it relates to kidnapping, cattle rustling and other forms of criminality, when compared to previous months.

“The State Government appreciates the support and understanding being given by the general public and other well-meaning individuals and groups; and we seek for more.”

“The Containment Order is a child of necessity, and has not been put in place to hurt or cause hardship to the citizens of the State. The driving objective was to arrest the emerging situation that was becoming a threat to peace, order and our collective well-being,” he said.

The state Assembly members called on the executive arm to review the order, particularly the aspect of GSM network shutdown, which they said was counterproductive.