Sustaining Prevailing Peace in Kano

Kano State is maintaining its status as one of Nigeria's most peaceful states in the North-west geopolitical zone, a feat achieved through political leadership that has actively withdrawn support from rival thuggery groups and criminal gangs. Despite its large population and historically volatile political landscape, Kano has largely escaped the severe impacts of insurgency and armed banditry that have devastated neighboring states.

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the political actors in the state should withdraw support for rival thuggery groups and other criminal gangs currently threatening peace in the state

While states like Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Katsina grapple with widespread violence from groups such as Ansaru, ISWAP, Boko Haram, and various bandit factions, Kano and Jigawa have remained relatively insulated. Even during a significant emirship tussle, the state's political leadership prioritized security, keeping the populace safe from mass killings and abductions.

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the attempts by politicians and other agents of violence to create another terrorist group in the state as they created Boko Haram in Borno State should be a cause of concern to all Nigerians, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliations.

However, this relative peace is now under threat. The Kano Civil Society Alliance for Peaceful Politics has expressed deep concern over a dramatic rise in political violence and the activities of armed youth gangs, locally known as 'Yan'Daba.' Ambassador Abdullahi D. Mohammed, the alliance's convener, directly blames politicians for allegedly funding and weaponizing these groups for political leverage, raising fears of a new terrorist group emerging in the state.

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expressed deep concern over the dramatic rise in political violence and the activities of armed youth gangs, locally known as Yan’Daba.

To counter this growing menace, the state government previously offered amnesty and rehabilitation programs to over 1,300 repentant thugs in 2025. The article stresses that Kano's stability is crucial for Nigeria's overall security, given its demographic significance. The potential breakdown of law and order in Kano could have far-reaching consequences for the entire country, underscoring the urgent need for political actors to cease supporting violent elements.

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Mohammed blamed the surge directly on politicians who allegedly funded and weaponised these violent groups for political leverage.