Open Letter to the Governor of Kano State on Insecurity

_By Abu Fouad_

Dear Governor Abba,

I hope this letter finds you well. I write not out of disrespect but in the hope that my message reaches you swiftly. Using both traditional and new media—the fastest means of communication—I address you as a concerned citizen of this great state to express my deepening alarm over the escalating insecurity that now grips our communities.

Although Kano has enjoyed relatively greater peace than its neighbouring states for many years, the recent “peace accord” in Katsina State has placed Kano at increased risk, particularly in the local‑government areas that share borders with Katsina. The growing security challenges facing our state are likely linked to the movement of bandits into Kano. These criminals continue to wreak havoc on our border communities, terrorizing innocent residents and disrupting daily life.

In recent days a surge in kidnappings and violent attacks on villagers has left many communities in fear, halted normal activities, and threatened the very fabric of our society. The impact is evident in the abandonment of several villages in Tsanyawa and Shanono, where families have been forced to flee their homes in search of safety. This is no longer a matter of statistics; it is a lived reality affecting every indigene of Kano, especially the most vulnerable—women, children, and the elderly.

The social contract between the people and the state obliges the government to provide security as a fundamental right. Yet, under the current circumstances, it appears that authorities at all levels are struggling to protect the people—a constitutional duty they swore to uphold. Criminals have sensed a vacuum in political will and are exploiting it with disastrous consequences.

Maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility; insecurity does not discriminate, and its consequences are far‑reaching. The growing insecurity in Kano is therefore a grave concern for all. Today, Kano—my state, my home—is facing a severe security threat. Yet some “willing tools in the hands of politicians” take to social media to insult and cyber‑bully anyone who raises concerns. These selfish individuals, who sell their conscience for peanuts, misinterpret every wake‑up call as an attack on the Governor and the administration. They forget that security is measured by the safety citizens experience each day, not by praise‑singing or deliberate attempts to mislead the public. Those praise‑singers forget that maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility; insecurity does not discriminate based on political inclination. The issue should not be politicized because its consequences are far‑reaching. Consequently, the growing insecurity in Kano is a grave concern for everyone.

Regardless of political differences, the people of Kano stand ready to support any initiative that brings lasting peace to our state. I appeal to your leadership to act decisively—strengthen collaboration between the government, all security agencies operating in the state, and traditional institutions, which have historically safeguarded our communities, and ensure that Kano’s future is not defined by fear.

In that spirit, I humbly request your consideration of the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen coordination between the state government, security agencies, traditional institutions, and the public. Traditional rulers, being closest to the grassroots, can provide timely intelligence. Deploy additional mobile patrols to high‑risk areas to ensure a visible presence that deters criminal activity.
2. Integrate low‑cost surveillance drones into law‑enforcement operations, equipped with night‑vision and thermal cameras, to monitor farms and border areas and send real‑time alerts to a central command centre. Train local residents as “drone observers” to report suspicious activities through a simple mobile app linked to the command centre.
3. Incorporate data from these tools into the state’s emergency‑response system to improve coordination among the Police, Army, DSS, NSCDC, and Community Watch groups. Support community‑based vigilante groups with proper training and equipment, while maintaining strict oversight to prevent misuse.
4. Accelerate the provision of basic infrastructure—roads, communication networks, and rural lighting—to reduce isolation and strengthen community safety, particularly in the local‑government areas that share borders with Katsina.
5. Establish a rapid‑response mechanism for reporting and addressing incidents, with clear timelines for action. Issue an executive order declaring local‑government areas bordering Katsina State as militarized zones to curb bandit activities.
6. Resolve any misunderstandings—if they exist—between yourself and the heads of security agencies in the state, and work closely with them to ensure a united front against insecurity.
7. Reinforce the existing ban on “Achaba” commercial motorcycles and ensure that the Nigerian Police Force cracks down on violators, particularly those operating within the Kano Metropolitan area and those congregating around State Road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Hadejia Road, and other parts of Nassarawa and Bompai GRA.

Taking these actions will demonstrate your leadership’s commitment to fairness, accountability, and the prioritization of citizens’ safety. I trust in your wisdom, patriotism, and sense of justice to act in the best interest of the people of Kano.

Warmest regards,

Abu Fouad
Concerned Citizen of Kano State
08075704500