The Katsina State Government has dismissed allegations that it sponsored Hajj pilgrimage for bandits and other criminal elements, describing the claim as false, misleading and politically motivated.
The government said the allegation was an attempt to misinform the public and undermine ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity in the state.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr Nasir Mu’azu, made the government’s position known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Katsina.
Mu’azu was reacting to comments allegedly made by Bashir Kurfi during a programme aired on Trust TV, in which he accused the state government of sponsoring Hajj pilgrimage for bandits.
The commissioner firmly denied the allegation and challenged those making the claim to provide evidence to support it.
According to him, the accusation has no basis in fact and should be disregarded by members of the public.
“The allegation is baseless, unfounded and designed to mislead the public,” Mu’azu said.
He added that the claim was coming at a time when security agencies and the state government were making progress in efforts to combat banditry and other violent crimes in Katsina and neighbouring areas.
Katsina is one of the states in Nigeria’s North-West region that has faced serious security challenges over the years. The state has experienced repeated attacks by armed bandits, including kidnappings, cattle rustling, killings and attacks on rural communities.
Many communities, especially those located near forests and remote areas, have suffered from insecurity, forcing residents to abandon farms and businesses.
The security situation has also affected economic activities in some parts of the state, with farmers and traders facing difficulties carrying out their daily work.
Successive administrations in Katsina have worked with security agencies to address the problem through military operations, intelligence gathering and community engagement initiatives.
The administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has repeatedly stated that security remains one of its top priorities.
In recent months, security agencies have reported a number of operations targeting bandit hideouts and criminal networks operating in the state and surrounding areas.
Mu’azu said the allegation of sponsoring bandits for Hajj appeared intended to divert attention from these efforts and the gains being recorded in the fight against insecurity.
According to him, those behind the claim may be uncomfortable with the progress being made and are attempting to create controversy where none exists.
The commissioner described the allegation as a politically motivated attack aimed at damaging the image of the government.
He expressed concern over what he called the increasing politicisation of security matters, warning that such actions could undermine public confidence and distract attention from the real challenges facing affected communities.
“Security issues should not be turned into political weapons,” he said, stressing that insecurity remains a serious problem that requires cooperation among government agencies, community leaders and citizens.
Mu’azu also alleged that some individuals were unhappy with the government’s refusal to support certain schemes and activities that could divert public resources away from development projects and programmes intended to benefit residents.
Although he did not mention specific individuals or groups, he suggested that some critics were acting out of personal or political interests rather than genuine concern for public safety.
The commissioner maintained that the state government has remained focused on its responsibility to protect lives and property and improve the welfare of residents.
He challenged those making the allegations to present credible and verifiable evidence if they truly believed their claims.
According to him, accusations involving public institutions and security matters should be backed by facts rather than speculation.
“We challenge anyone making these claims to provide evidence,” he said.
The government also warned that it would not hesitate to use lawful means to protect its reputation and respond to what it described as false and defamatory information.
Mu’azu said the administration would hold accountable anyone found deliberately spreading misinformation capable of damaging public trust or creating confusion.
The warning comes amid growing concerns over the spread of unverified claims on social media and other platforms, particularly on sensitive issues such as security.
Officials have repeatedly urged the public to verify information before sharing it and to rely on credible sources for news and updates.
The commissioner called on residents of Katsina and Nigerians generally to ignore the allegation and continue supporting the efforts of security agencies working to restore peace in affected communities.
He noted that cooperation between citizens and security agencies remains critical to the success of ongoing operations against criminal groups.
According to him, valuable information provided by residents has often helped security personnel prevent attacks, arrest suspects and rescue victims of kidnapping.
Mu’azu reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting security operations and implementing policies aimed at improving safety across the state.
He said the administration would continue to invest in measures designed to strengthen security, promote development and improve the quality of life of residents.
“Our commitment to the safety, well-being and prosperity of Katsina residents remains unwavering,” he stated.
The controversy over the allegation comes as governments across the North-West continue efforts to address insecurity and rebuild public confidence.
While security challenges remain a major concern in the region, state governments have consistently maintained that cooperation among security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities is necessary to achieve lasting peace.
For now, the Katsina State Government insists that the allegation of sponsoring bandits for Hajj is entirely false and has challenged its accusers to provide proof, while reaffirming its determination to continue supporting efforts aimed at ending insecurity in the state.