Governor Radda issues executive order after emergency meeting with security agencies; residents limited to direct vehicle fuel purchases

The Katsina State Government has ordered the immediate closure of all Point of Sale (POS) centres and commercial phone-charging businesses in Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas, imposed a state-wide ban on the sale and transport of petrol in jerrycans, and restricted motorcycle movement in the two affected LGAs. The measures, announced on Monday via an executive order signed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda (APC), follow an emergency security meeting with law enforcement agencies, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

According to the new directive, all POS outlets and phone-charging businesses in Matazu and Musawa must cease operations immediately. In addition, motorcycles are now prohibited from operating within both LGAs. Across Katsina’s 34 local government areas, residents are banned from purchasing or transporting petrol in jerrycans, though buying fuel directly into vehicle tanks at filling stations remains permitted.

Government said these steps were necessary to tackle rising banditry and criminal activities that have continued to threaten communities across the North-West state. Intelligence reports indicate that informal financial services such as POS have been exploited by criminal groups for funding, while petrol smuggled in jerrycans is frequently used to fuel motorcycles and generators operated by armed men hiding in forests. The restriction on motorcycles targets the mobility advantage enjoyed by bandits who often use them to evade security patrols across rural areas.

“These measures are aimed at disrupting the support networks of criminal elements by cutting off their access to funds, fuel supplies and easy movement,” Governor Radda said in a statement accompanying the order. Security officials have long argued that portable fuel sales enable bandits to sustain attacks despite ongoing military operations. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment on the new restrictions.

Katsina has faced persistent insecurity, including attacks on villages, kidnappings for ransom and cattle rustling. Many residents have abandoned farms and businesses due to fear of violence. Authorities say this latest move was informed by intelligence assessments and consultations with local leaders. The government maintains that while these restrictions may inconvenience some law-abiding residents—especially those in rural communities with limited banking access—they are essential for restoring peace.

Security agencies are expected to step up enforcement of the order in coming days, with surveillance intensified around filling stations and border communities. The state government says it will review the effectiveness of these measures regularly as part of broader efforts to secure lives and property across Katsina.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/katsina-shuts-pos-bans-jerrycan-fuel-motorcycles-insecurity-2026061717504455033