The Kano State Government has unveiled a plan to grant amnesty to over 1,600 repentant thugs as part of its “safe corridor” initiative aimed at curbing political thuggery and youth unrest.
Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, announced this on Wednesday at the state police command headquarters during the formal launch of the programme.
He revealed that 718 youths had already been profiled, while another 960 were awaiting police validation before joining the scheme.
Why Kano introduced the initiative – Waiya
According to the commissioner, Governor Abba Yusuf personally initiated the project due to the negative image political thuggery has created for the state.
“His Excellency, Governor Abba Yusuf, is very much concerned about this menace because it doesn’t reflect well on the state’s reputation. That is why he launched this project deliberately to tackle the problem,” Waiya said.
The government said the beneficiaries would undergo drug screening, rehabilitation, and reintegration into the society as part of the process.
Politicians blamed for luring youths
Waiya further explained that many of the youths were recruited into thuggery by desperate politicians.
“We know some of the youths never intended to be part of this. They were lured by evil-minded politicians, which is completely unacceptable. This government will not condone it and we won’t allow it to continue,” he added.
He also stated that once granted amnesty, the youths would be cleared of all criminal records and considered law-abiding citizens.
Security agencies call for support
The state Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, urged youths still in possession of weapons to surrender, noting that the initiative offers them a second chance to rebuild their lives.
Similarly, the Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, appealed to the repentant thugs to assist authorities with information that could help track down drug dealers and also convince others yet to surrender to embrace the programme.
