The League of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Kano State has raised serious alarm over what it calls a dangerous rise in insecurity across the state.
The group says bandit attacks, kidnappings and village raids — especially in areas bordering Kaduna and Katsina — are spreading fast and pushing Kano towards the kind of crisis seen in neighbouring states.
According to the League, Kano is facing a humanitarian and security “monster” that requires urgent and extraordinary action. Once known as a stable commercial hub in the North-West, the state is now witnessing more high-profile kidnappings targeting rural residents.
The group says criminal gangs have shifted operations into Kano, using Falgore Forest as their hideout. Communities in Tudun Wada, Sumaila, Rogo and Shanono are now exposed to new forms of rural terror, while the spread of small arms and porous borders has created a booming kidnap-for-ransom economy.
CSOs accuse political leaders of ignoring rising threats
The League expressed shock that, despite the growing threat, politicians in Kano remain locked in heated rivalry.
It says the constant battles between the NNPP-led government and the APC opposition have become a major distraction from the real problem — citizens’ safety.
The CSOs accuse political leaders of wasting time, money and energy on public arguments, media fights and court cases. They warn that every hour spent on political bickering is time taken away from security planning, intelligence review and proper coordination with agencies.
According to the League, this high-level political division has created a dangerous vacuum. It says criminals are taking advantage of the perception that the government is distracted and divided, while citizens are losing trust and becoming less willing to share useful information with security agencies.
The league released five key recommendations for urgent action to include;
1. Adopt strategic, data-driven policing:
The CSOs want Kano to move from reactive policing to intelligence-led operations based on the CompStat model. They call for a Security Fusion Centre that brings together the police, DSS, military and vigilantes to analyse real-time data and map crime hotspots.
2. Launch an economic-focused disarmament and reintegration programme:
They recommend a system that offers amnesty to low-level offenders who surrender arms in exchange for vocational training and economic opportunities. The approach, they say, should be backed with psychosocial support to counter radicalisation.
3. Deploy layered security technology:
The group advises the use of surveillance drones, CCTV cameras and telecom-based location tracking to monitor criminal movements. They also want frontline personnel equipped with reliable communication devices.
4. Establish a special Security Offences Court:
The League proposes a dedicated court that can quickly handle cases related to banditry, kidnapping and terrorism. They say delayed trials weaken deterrence and undermine public confidence.
5. Enforce political unity on security decisions:
The CSOs urge the governor to form a Bi-Partisan Security Council that includes leaders of the NNPP, APC, PDP and heads of security agencies. The council would meet regularly, share intelligence and approve major security steps as a united body.
CSOs call for united leadership
In its concluding message, the League warns that the insecurity in Kano threatens the lives and livelihoods of millions.
It says political leaders must “sheathe their swords” and work together, insisting that the safety of citizens must come before political battles.
The CSOs call on Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to show decisive leadership by implementing the recommendations, setting up the Security Fusion Centre, and convening the bi-partisan security council immediately.
They also urge security agencies to shift from reaction to intelligence-driven operations.
The statement is endorsed by 22 civil society groups and advocacy organisations across Kano State. They are;
Endorsed By:
1. Comrade Bala Abdullahi Gaduwama – Wuro Development Concerns (WDCN)
2. Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq. – Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN)
3. Mohammed Bello – African Centre for Innovative Research and Development (Afri-CIRD)
4. Abdullahi Y. Sule – Youth and Environmental Development Association (YEDA)
5. Abdulkadir Musa Hausawa – Youth Enlightenment Forum
6. Adeniyi Aremu, Esq. – Civil Society Organization for Conflict Resolution in Nigeria (CS-CRIN)
7. Sani Ilyas Abdullahi, Esq. – Joint Action Front (JAF), Kano State
8. Comrade Fatima A. Ibrahim – United Action for Democracy (UAD), Kano State
9. Comrade Khadija Hudu A. – Justice, Accountability and Rights Advocacy Centre
10. Comrade Moh’d Sani Garba – Pay it Forward Initiative
11. Fatima Muhammad – Gender Inclusive and Development Support Initiative, Kano
12. Aminu Sani Muhammad, Esq. – Rule of Law and Justice Advancement Network (ROLJAN)
13. Comrade M. K. Adam – Societal-Based Initiative for Rights, Peace and Development (SOBIRPED)
14. Fatima Ibrahim Badamasi – Gender Support and Youth Empowerment Initiative (GENSAYE)
15. Buhari Abubakar Usman – Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid (CELOHA)
16. Abdullahi Yahaya, Esq. – Publish What You Pay (PWYP), Kano State
17. Comrade Auwal Salisu – Centre for Awareness Reorientation and Empowerment (CARE-Africa)
18. Umar Isa Sulaiman, Esq. – Frontier for Gender Advocacy, Accountability & Empowerment Initiative.
19. Maryam Garba Usman – Centre for Gender and Social Inclusion (CAGSI)
20. Fatima Chabir Aliyu, Esq. – Community-Based Equal Justice Initiative
21. Comrade Salisu Ibrahim Sa’eed – Kano Youth Integrity Forum
22. Comrade Baraya Garba Hassan – Centre for Education, Health and Entrepreneurship Development (CEHED), Nigeria.
