How bandits are being pushed out of Kano – Commissioner

The Kano State Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Air Vice Marshal Ibrahim Umar (rtd.), in this interview with P.M. News Correspondent, Maduabuchi Nmeribeh, speaks on how Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration is tackling bandits infiltrating Kano from neighbouring states through border communities, among other things.

How is Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration curbing the recent incursion of bandits from neighbouring states into Kano?

You are aware that since its inception on 29 May 2023, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has continued to ensure that Kano remains safe for residents, visitors and investors. We did not record any major security threats or skirmishes until recently, when remnants of bandits from neighbouring states attempted to infiltrate our dear state through border communities, particularly Tsanyawa and Shanono Local Government Areas near Katsina State.

We are not sleeping over these attempts, as adequate measures, both proactive and reactive, are being taken to halt their activities. You and I know that security is everybody’s business. Banditry cannot be tackled by the state government alone. That is why our able Governor, His Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, after taking immediate action to calm the situation, visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to brief him on the situation on the ground.

Following discussions, President Tinubu, in his wisdom, ordered the deployment of a Special Security Team to Kano. Governor Yusuf is also holding regular security meetings with all security chiefs in the state. Already, a Joint Security Task Force is fully operational in the affected areas. The Task Force comprises all security agencies, including vigilante groups, and they are bringing the situation under control.

What is the impact of Governor Yusuf’s recent visit to the border communities where bandits were operating?

Governor Yusuf’s visit to Tsanyawa and Shanono Local Government Areas clearly demonstrated his compassion and leadership. He commiserated with victims of bandit attacks and assured them that the nefarious activities of enemies of the state would soon be nipped in the bud.

He also personally encouraged members of the Joint Task Force, assuring them of the state government’s continued support. I can confirm that the government has provided sufficient mobility, logistics and operational support required by security agencies to effectively confront banditry across the state. Our goal is to ensure that every community in Kano State enjoys full government protection.

Are you impressed with how the Joint Task Force is confronting banditry in these areas?

Yes, I am highly impressed based on available records. During his visit, Governor Yusuf addressed the JTF officers like a father, encouraging them to remain patriotic, vigilant and focused. He directed them to intensify intelligence gathering and maintain close collaboration with local communities.

Community-based intelligence remains one of the most effective tools for identifying threats and preventing attacks. We have increased deployments, improved inter-agency coordination and enhanced mobility in the troubled areas. The government has procured security vehicles, motorcycles and other equipment, including drones, to strengthen surveillance and rapid response along the Kano–Katsina border.

Would you say peace has returned to those border communities?

To a large extent, yes. Residents are beginning to heave a sigh of relief as peace and order gradually return. Security measures remain firmly in place, and JTF operatives are fully alert.

The bandits have realised that Kano is not fertile ground for their criminal activities. They are being neutralised daily, and farmers have started returning to their farms. You are also aware that further measures have been introduced, including restrictions on commercial motorcycles within metropolitan Kano and revised operating hours for tricycles from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. These steps are aimed at curbing criminal movements.

How is Kano contributing to efforts to end insecurity across the North-West?

There is no gainsaying the fact that insecurity in the North-West has hindered socio-economic growth across the region. Banditry and kidnapping have scared investors and disrupted livelihoods, particularly farming and livestock rearing.

Kano has continued to promote peace and regional security through strengthened cooperation, intelligence sharing and joint operations with neighbouring states and the Federal Government. We have also enhanced the capacity of security agencies with modern equipment, training and manpower, including recent donations of Hilux vehicles and motorcycles to Operation MESA at border communities.

Beyond security, Kano is fostering economic growth through industrial parks, improved ease of doing business, infrastructure development and agricultural value chains. The government also supports vigilante groups, community policing, mediation programmes and awareness campaigns to address root causes of conflict, including land and water disputes.

As the commercial nerve centre of northern Nigeria, Kano plays a strategic role in stabilising the North-West through inclusive governance, youth empowerment and collaboration with traditional and religious institutions.

Do you see enough collaboration between the North-West Governors’ Forum and the North-West Development Commission?

There is a strong need for sustained synergy and cooperation between the North-West Governors’ Forum and the North-West Development Commission. Such collaboration will ensure that development funds are properly utilised, evenly distributed and transparently managed to fight poverty and insecurity across the region.

How effective has Kano been in tackling drug abuse?

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has been very consistent in fighting drug abuse. A Special Task Force against drug abuse and phone snatching is already yielding results. This initiative builds on the foundation laid by former Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and the Kwankwassiyya philosophy.

Rehabilitation programmes for drug users are ongoing, drug barons are being driven out of business, and the abandoned Kano Reformatory Institute in Kiru has been revived. We are winning the war against drug abuse.

Are there civilian security initiatives to complement formal agencies?

Yes. We have established the Neighbourhood Watch and the Task Force on Phone Snatching. Before 2023, many youths were idle or used as political thugs. To curb this, we created the Security Guards Institute to train and employ youths as security personnel and KAROTA staff.

These initiatives have reduced crime, curbed youth restiveness and improved livelihoods, turning potential security threats into productive citizens.

How are the skills institutes established by former Governor Kwankwaso faring?

They were abandoned by the immediate past administration but have since been revived by Governor Yusuf. All institutes are functional and are empowering youths and women with practical skills, fostering entrepreneurship and job creation across the state.

How effective is the Security Communication Centre in Kano?

The Security Communication Centre under Kofar Nassarawa Bridge is fully operational as a Quick Response Centre. It is equipped with modern CCTV cameras covering strategic locations across the metropolis and manned by trained personnel.

The centre enhances crime prevention, investigation and response, contributing significantly to the protection of lives and property in Kano.