Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has accused some individuals in the country of exploiting Nigeria’s security challenges for political advantage.
He made the remarks on Tuesday in Lagos at a national conference organised by the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC), themed “Building a fractured nation.”
Yusuf, who was represented at the event by the Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Issa Katere, said Nigeria’s security situation requires collective responsibility from both government and citizens, stressing that security must be treated as a shared duty.
“Regrettably, there are unpatriotic individuals who exploit these challenges for political gain, undermining collective efforts, especially those of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to combat the escalating threat of insecurity,” he said.
Security Challenges in Kano
Yusuf noted that Kano State continues to face security concerns, including gang violence and phone snatching, which have led his administration to strengthen local security structures.
He also referenced recent reports of bandit incursions into Tsanyawa, Shanono, and Ghari local government areas from neighbouring Katsina State.
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According to him, the state government has responded by working closely with security agencies, including the military, police, and DSS, to tackle banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism.
He added that a neighbourhood watch corps has been established and equipped to support grassroots security operations.
Despite these challenges, the governor maintained that Kano remains one of the most peaceful states in the country.
Warning on National Division
Yusuf warned that Nigeria’s divisions are becoming more visible through insecurity, economic hardship, and declining public trust in government.
“A fractured nation is evident when a farmer in Rano hesitates to transport his goods to Onitsha due to fear of insecurity,” he said.
“It is reflected in the despair of a young graduate in Lagos who feels Kano is inaccessible, and in the breakdown of trust between citizens and the state when justice is delayed.”
Reforms and Policy Direction
The governor said his administration is pursuing reforms anchored on justice, inclusion, and shared prosperity.
He explained that the state has aligned its reforms with the Police Act 2020 and has introduced measures to strengthen justice delivery and protect citizens’ rights.
These include a police duty solicitors scheme designed to protect suspects’ rights, prevent unlawful arrests in civil matters, ensure free bail where appropriate, and notify next of kin.
Call for National Unity
Yusuf called for stronger cooperation among Nigerians, saying the country’s progress depends on unity rather than division.
He proposed a “bridge of trust initiative” to enhance collaboration between northern and southern states through youth innovation hubs, student exchange programmes, and civil society dialogue platforms.
“Our message is that nation-building cannot rest on Abuja, Lagos, or Kano alone. It will thrive when the North and South see each other as partners, not rivals,” he said.
Award and Closing Remarks
The governor also received the “Governor of the Year Award” from the NHRC, a coalition of 130 civil society and community-based organisations.
He expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying the recognition was an honour.
Yusuf added that the conference could serve as a catalyst for national renewal and the restoration of unity in the country.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.