By Hadiza Musa Yusuf
The Katsina State Government has approved the procurement of 5,000 cartons of ammunition to strengthen the capacity of security operatives in combating banditry and related crimes across the state.
The spokesperson of the Katsina state government, Ibrahim Mohammed, announced this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the decision was reached at the most recent State Executive Council meeting.
Mohammed explained that the ammunition will be supplied not only to conventional security agencies but also to the state-established Community Watch Corps (CWC), vigilante groups, and hunters who support formal security operations.
Meanwhile, the government has declared a State of Emergency on dilapidated primary school structures across Katsina, with immediate plans to rehabilitate the 10 most dilapidated schools in each of the 34 local government areas.
In the education sector, he disclosed that Special Model Schools in Radda, Charanchi Local Government Area, will receive solar-powered water supply and reticulation systems, furniture, instructional materials, as well as science and technical equipment.
The schools will also benefit from a 300 kWp solar PV system with battery energy storage, CCTV cameras, solar-powered streetlights, and backup generators.
The council also approved the purchase of 30 hybrid buses to promote environmentally friendly transportation and cut commuting costs for residents.
On infrastructure, Mohammed said approval was given for the construction of the Daura Western Bypass Dual Carriageway under the state’s ongoing road renewal projects.
