The Katsina State government has shut down three filling stations suspected of supplying petrol to bandits in the state.

The task force, set up to address the hoarding of grains and unjustified price hikes of food items led by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Jabiru Salisu Tsauri, carried out the raid that led to the closure.

Speaking to newsmen after closing the petrol stations, Tsauri said the committee was authorised to apprehend suspected individuals and detain them for 48 hours before initiating court proceedings.

He said the committee received an intel that the affected petrol stations were involved in supplying fuel to bandits during nighttime and early morning hours.

However, one affected businessman, who chose to remain anonymous, refuted the accusations, asserting that they operated their business with caution and would not engage in activities that could endanger the state’s security.