Insecurity: 300 Katsina community security trained on improved security initiative
Three hundred personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (C-WATCH) have been scheduled for a six-day training on improved community security initiatives as part of efforts to address the lingering security challenges in the state. Speaking during the opening ceremony of the training, the team lead of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria […]
Three hundred personnel of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps (C-WATCH) have been scheduled for a six-day training on improved community security initiatives as part of efforts to address the lingering security challenges in the state.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the training, the team lead of the Strengthening Peace and Resilience in Nigeria (SPRiNG) Programme, Mr. Ukuha Ukiwo, stated that the training is part of efforts to strengthen community-based security and promote accountability in Katsina.
He added that the initiative is supported by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by Tetra Tech International Development in partnership with The Kukah Centre.
He explained that the training focuses on improving community security initiatives for more accountable service delivery, particularly in violence-prone regions of the country, especially the North-West and North-Central zones, which have experienced decades of insecurity.
This situation, he noted, has led to the emergence of state-backed local security outfits in states such as Kaduna, Katsina, Benue, Plateau, and Sokoto.
He added that while these outfits have helped to fill security gaps, concerns persist over the absence of standard operating procedures, as well as allegations of abuse of power and human rights violations.
He revealed that to address these challenges, the SPRiNG Programme is engaging key stakeholders to review the legal frameworks guiding the operations of these security outfits, while also working to strengthen legal and institutional structures to ensure alignment with global best practices in community security management.
In his goodwill message, the Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu Danmusa, stated that since the establishment of the C-WATCH in the state, there has been a significant reduction in insecurity incidents. He added that the state has set a positive example that other northern states are beginning to emulate.
Similarly, the Project Manager, Mr. Bamber Terseer, stated that as part of its ongoing implementation, the project is currently working across five states, with targeted training on standard operating procedures (SOPs) already underway in Kaduna, Benue, Plateau, and Katsina States.
He added that the training is designed to enhance professionalism, improve inter-agency coordination, and promote adherence to human rights standards.