Gov Yusuf: 95% of bandits troubling Kano operating from Katsina

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, on Tuesday, revealed that over 95 per cent of bandits wreaking havoc in some Kano communities in recent times, are actually Nigerians, who operate from their base in Katsina state.

Governor Yusuf said investigations available at his disposal showed that the bandits are not from Chad, Niger and or other neighbouring countries, as previously believed.

According to him, the bandits carrying out nefarious activities in communities located at Tsanyawa and Shanono Local Government Areas of the state are invading Kano from their bases in Katsina state.

He stated this at Yankamaye community in Tsanyawa Local Government Area, Kano, while addressing victims of banditry in the troubled community.

The Governor who offered them a lifeline support, promised that those who have been kidnapped by the bandits will surely regain their freedom soonest, as the state government is working hand-in-hand with security agencies to bring the situation under control.

Before his meeting with Yankamaye community, Governor Yusuf was received by the Joint Task Force, at their first base in Tsanyawa where the Brigade Commander, 3 Brigade, Nigeria Army, Brigadier-General Ahmed Mohammed Tukur, briefed him on the activities of the Task Force, so far.

From Yankamaye in Tsanyawa, Governor Yusuf, with his entourage, accompanied by all security chiefs in Kano, proceeded to Faruruwa, another troubled community in Shanono Local Government Area, where the second base of the Task Force is located.

After a brief remarks by Brigadier General Tukur at Faruruwa, Governor Yusuf assured members of the Task Force, comprising soldiers, police officers, Civil Defence officers, agents of the Department of State Security (DSS), members of local vigilante groups, among other paramilitary officers, of the continued support by the state government.

“We are here to specifically see you, rob minds with you, and encourage you to put in more of your gallantry. This insecurity in Kano at this particular time is new to us.

“Kano has remained one of the most peaceful states in the country, until these bandits began to infiltrate our state from the border towns.

“We are with you (the Task Force officers). We know your sacrifices; and we will do everything within our power to eradicate these cancer called banditry,” he said.

Governor Yusuf further urged members of the Task Force to remain focussed, “concentrate on doing what you are here for. Take intelligence reports from members of the community and act on it diligently. From time to time, we will be coming to see you.”

Governor Yusuf also revealed that his recent meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the issue of banditry in Kano, has started yielding positive results, as President Tinubu’s directive to the Chief of Army Staff, has added value to the renewed fight against banditry in Kano and neighboring states.