By : Aliyu Isa Aliyu, Phd.
I came across a write up by one Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, Esq titled “Abba, learn from Ganduje before Kano collapses.” After reading it, I realized that the writer is either not living in Kano, is unaware of the facts, or is simply politically aligned in a way that prevents her from seeing the real efforts of the present administration under His Excellency, Governor Abba K Yusuf to support security in the state. I will respond to her claims with facts and provide reference publications at the end of this reply along with pictorial evidence. All of the assertions made in her write up are incorrect and do not reflect the true situation in Kano State. It is important to set the record straight so that the public is not misled.
First, it is false to claim that the state government is silent on security matters. The present administration has done far more than most states facing similar challenges. In November 2024, the Governor distributed brand new Toyota Hilux vehicles and other operational vehicles to all police stations across the 44 local government areas. Kano is also the first state in the entire country to establish the Anti Illicit Drugs and Phone Snatching Taskforce, which works closely with security agencies. Only a few weeks ago, the Commandant of the taskforce was tragically killed in his home, yet the writer appears unaware of their existence or of the fact that phone and vehicle snatching in the metropolis has reduced significantly because of their operations.
Are the nearly 20000 solar street lights installed across the state not measures to reduce insecurity? Has she not seen the various forms of support given to security agencies, many of which are not publicly announced for security reasons? These actions show clear commitment, not silence.
It is also untrue to say there is no visible leadership or action. Just last week, the Governor provided vehicles and motorcycles to the Nigeria Army to help them respond to the recent incidents in Tsanyawa, Shanono and other affected areas. Additionally, hundreds of trained neighborhood guards from various local governments already have their operational vehicles ready at Government House. His Excellency has signed the law establishing the guards, and they will be fully deployed once their local government offices are completed. This is evidence of planning and readiness, not inaction.
The attempt to compare the present situation with the previous administration is also misleading. Insecurity is a national challenge, and the writer conveniently failed to mention that security control rests with the Federal Government. The Governor does not control the police, the army or the civil defence. He holds regular state security council meetings, attends to the urgent needs of security agencies and has been consistent in doing so. The state government can only support, and that is exactly what this administration has been doing. Blaming the state for matters under federal authority is unfair and politically motivated.
Another important point the writer ignored is that hundreds of police officers have been stationed at the unofficial residence of the dethroned Emir of Kano who currently resides in the Nasarawa Emirs Palace. These officers were originally deployed to vulnerable local governments like Tsanyawa and Shanono. If we are serious about improving security, they should be returned to their proper duty posts instead of guarding one individual. Operational vehicles from different local governments can also be seen parked there. This is a critical issue the writer completely overlooked.
The claim that the government is not coordinating with security agencies is also false. His Excellency has been meeting regularly with heads of security agencies and supporting them with logistics, intelligence and operational resources. The allegation of lack of coordination does not reflect reality.
Equally incorrect is the claim that nothing is being done to address farmers and herders conflicts. His Excellency created the Kano State Ministry of Livestock Development, the first of its kind in Kano state, to address such conflicts through dialogue and peaceful engagement. As the Honourable Commissioner, I have personally visited several local governments, met with leaders of farmers and herders and strengthened local peace committees to prevent conflict. Many of these interventions are not meant for public reporting, but they are taking place consistently and effectively.
In conclusion, the write up presents a one sided and politically charged narrative that ignores the genuine efforts of the state government. Kano is not collapsing as claimed. The administration of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf is working daily to support security agencies, strengthen community protection and respond to emerging challenges. Security requires truth, unity and responsibility. What we need now is support and accurate information, not exaggerated claims designed to mislead the public.
𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬
1. (https://punchng.com/kano-gov-donates-78-patrol-vehicles-to-boost-security)
2. (https://dailytrust.com/kano-declares-war-on-illicit-drug-abuse-phone-snatching/?noamp=available)
(https://www.channelstv.com/2025/02/18/gov-yusuf-signs-law-creating-kano-state-security-neighborhood-watch)
(https://tribuneonlineng.com/gov-yusuf-donates-10-vehicles-50-motorcycles-to-boost-jtf-operations-in-kano)
Written by Aliyu Isa Aliyu