Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has signed a new Executive Order banning the sale, purchase, transportation, and storage of petroleum products in Jerry cans across the state with immediate effect.
The measure is aimed at preventing the diversion of fuel to criminal elements operating in remote areas.
Governor Radda also approved the immediate closure of all Point of Sale, POS outlets and commercial phone charging centres in Matazu and Musawa Local Government areas.
According to security reports, the facilities are being used by criminal networks to support their activities.
In addition, the use of motorcycles has been banned across Matazu and Musawa Local Government Areas to restrict the movement of bandits and kidnappers who rely on them for their operations.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda said the protection of lives and property remains the top priority of his administration and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to restore peace and stability across the state.
He urged residents to comply fully with the directives and provide timely information to security agencies.
The government warned that violators of the new measures would face the full weight of the law.
The Katsina State Government reiterated its commitment to deploying all lawful measures necessary to ensure the safety and security of communities and create an enabling environment for economic and social activities.