Kano Govt Integrates 1,654 Repentant Thugs into Safe Corridor Rehabilitation Programme
In a renewed effort to curb political thuggery and youth violence, the Kano State Government has successfully integrated 1,654 repentant political thugs into its Safe Corridor rehabilitation programme. An additional 2,100 individuals are expected to join in the coming weeks.
The development was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Information, Comrade Abdullahi Waiya, during a strategic meeting with cluster heads of the Safe Corridor initiative in Kano.
Waiya explained that the 1,654 individuals had undergone thorough screening and voluntarily renounced political thuggery, pledging allegiance to the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.
“These youths have pledged to turn a new leaf and follow the path of peace and productivity. They were screened in collaboration with the State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) of the police and Safe Corridor officials,” Waiya stated.
He noted that the Safe Corridor programme was initiated by Governor Yusuf as part of his broader vision to address the root causes of political violence in the state.
“Unfortunately, under the previous administration, thuggery became a sort of trade. But Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is determined to change that narrative. He sees these youths as his sons and has instructed us to do everything possible to support and rehabilitate them,” the Commissioner added.
Waiya reaffirmed that the government’s policies are firmly against thuggery and other criminal activities, stressing that youth empowerment and inclusion remain central to the administration’s development agenda.
“Most of these young people have untapped potential. That’s why we brought them together today to interact and build a sense of community among Safe Corridor members from the eight metropolitan local governments,” he said.
The Commissioner recalled earlier engagements with the group, including a July 7 meeting with over 900 members which was briefly disrupted by miscreants. Despite such setbacks, he said, the government remains resolute in its commitment to expanding the programme.
“We previously interacted with 317 of you, and today we’ve added 1,654 more. The next batch of 2,100 will be screened soon. After that, we’ll meet with the governor to formally lay down arms and begin the next phase of empowerment,” Waiya announced.
He further revealed that some of the rehabilitated youths will receive direct empowerment through collaborations with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which will also assist in further screenings and rehabilitation support.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Alhaji Aliyu Harazimi, a respected traditional ruler, and Alhaji Gidado Mukhtar, both of whom commended the government’s proactive approach to youth rehabilitation and development.
