PASSING OUT OF KATSINA STATE COMMUNITY WATCH CORPS BATCH III

Passing Out of Katsina State Community Watch Corps Batch III: A Full Report

On October 15, 2025, the Katsina State Government marked a significant milestone in its grassroots security initiative with the formal passing-out ceremony of Batch III of the Katsina State Community Watch Corps.

The event, held at the College of Peace and Disaster Management within the Nigeria Civil Defence Training College in Babbar Ruga, Katsina, was presided over by Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to community-led security solutions.

The Batch III cohort comprised 200 newly trained officers, including 196 males and 4 females. These recruits underwent rigorous training in unarmed combat and community security techniques, equipping them to tackle prevalent urban crimes such as phone and handbag snatching. Their deployment is part of a broader strategy to empower local communities to take ownership of their safety and development, especially in areas plagued by insecurity and social unrest.

Governor Radda, in his address, reflected on the journey since the inception of the Community Watch Corps over two years ago. He acknowledged the initial uncertainties and challenges faced by his administration but emphasized that the initiative has grown steadily and now covers 20 out of the 34 local government areas in Katsina State. He described the expansion as a testament to the resilience and dedication of both the government and the people of Katsina in their pursuit of lasting peace.

The governor also commissioned 100 new officers during the ceremony, further extending the reach of the Community Watch Corps. He highlighted the importance of community-driven security frameworks, noting that traditional policing alone cannot address the complex nature of insecurity in the region.

By integrating trained community members into the security architecture, the state aims to foster trust, enhance intelligence gathering, and ensure rapid response to local threats.

The passing-out ceremony was not only a celebration of the recruits’ successful completion of training but also a symbolic reaffirmation of the state’s resolve to combat banditry, theft, and other forms of criminality through innovative and inclusive approaches.

Governor Radda’s remarks underscored the administration’s belief that sustainable security must be rooted in the active participation of citizens, supported by strategic government interventions and continuous capacity building.