Kano sets up special task force to secure motor parks

Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has authorised the immediate creation of a Special Task Force to tighten security at motor parks and other critical public locations across the state.

The move was disclosed on Sunday in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, who said the decision was part of broader efforts to block criminal elements from exploiting busy transit points.

According to the statement, the governor identified motor parks as particularly vulnerable because of heavy human traffic and recent security incidents, including the arrest of suspected criminals at Kofar Ruwa Motor Park.

“Motor parks have been identified as high-risk locations due to increased human movement and recent security developments,” Bature said.

He explained that the newly constituted task force would carry out round-the-clock surveillance, intelligence-led monitoring and joint security operations at motor parks and other sensitive areas.

“The task force will conduct intensive surveillance, intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations at motor parks and other vulnerable locations.

“Its operations will also extend to ancillary areas such as filling stations and public spaces where transient populations often congregate,” he added.

Governor Yusuf described the initiative as a preventive strategy aimed at neutralising threats before they escalate, improving collaboration among security agencies and rebuilding public trust.

The governor restated his administration’s zero-tolerance approach to crime and assured residents of full backing for security agencies to protect lives and property.

Kano has recorded a recent rise in security challenges, including bandit attacks in rural communities such as Tsanyawa and Shanono local government areas, where cases of abductions and violent assaults have been reported.

In response, the state government has stepped up security measures. On December 2, Yusuf led top security officials on an inspection of Joint Task Force bases in affected areas, pledging improved logistics, upgraded facilities and community-based interventions to strengthen local security.

The Kano State Police Command has also introduced additional restrictions, including a ban on the use of motorcycles for passenger transport in nine metropolitan local government areas. Commercial tricycles have equally been barred from operating between 10 pm and 6 am, a measure that took effect on December 1.