By Abdu Saidu
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has been nominated for the Award of Excellence in Security Governance by the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, Abuja, following what the institute described as the state’s exceptional performance in promoting peace, security, and social stability.
The nomination was conveyed in a letter presented to the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on behalf of the governor by a delegation from the institute led by its Director, Dr. Henry Nwokoji.
Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Nwokoji said the nomination was the outcome of an extensive assessment conducted across the seven North-West states, which ranked Kano highest in security resilience, policy implementation, and institutional response to emerging security challenges.
“Kano has demonstrated strong leadership and political will in addressing insecurity through strategic interventions that tackle the root causes of crime and social unrest,” he said.
Kano first
The institute particularly commended the state’s Safe Corridor Initiative, describing it as an innovative deradicalisation and rehabilitation programme designed to prevent vulnerable youths from being drawn into banditry, kidnapping, and violent extremism.
Receiving the nomination letter, Comrade Waiya expressed appreciation to the institute for recognising the governor’s efforts in strengthening security and maintaining peace across the state.
He said the recognition was a testament to Governor Yusuf’s commitment to supporting security agencies and implementing policies aimed at protecting lives and property.
The commissioner highlighted the establishment of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps, which has recruited and trained more than 2,000 youths who have since been absorbed into the state civil service and deployed across the 44 local government areas.
According to him, the government has provided operational vehicles, motorcycles, uniforms, and office facilities to the corps to enhance community policing and complement the efforts of conventional security agencies.
Waiya further disclosed that the administration had established an Anti-Phone Snatching Squad as part of efforts to curb criminal activities and improve public safety.
On the Safe Corridor Initiative, he revealed that over 3,000 youths had voluntarily enrolled in the programme, while the state government had approved more than ₦400 million for its implementation.
He added that the first phase of the initiative would involve the rehabilitation of 1,000 youths through a 40-day camp in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), after which beneficiaries would receive educational and vocational support to facilitate their reintegration into society.
The commissioner attributed the prevailing peace and stability in Kano to Governor Yusuf’s inclusive style of governance, effective collaboration with security agencies, and the support of the people.
He assured the delegation that the nomination letter and accompanying report would be formally presented to the governor, reaffirming the administration’s determination to sustain peace and strengthen security across the state.