KCJF Express Concern Over Rising Tensions in Kano, Call for Unified Security Strategy

By Mustapha Salisu

The Kano Concerned Journalist Forum (KCJF) has expressed deep concern over the escalating political tensions in Kano State following the state government’s recent call for the arrest of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

The move, according to the government, was based on alleged statements credited to Ganduje and Nigeria’s Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin, which reportedly exacerbated insecurity in the state.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Chairperson of KCJF, A’isha Ahmad, said the development reflects a deepening leadership crisis that is heightening public anxiety, distracting security agencies, and endangering the lives of citizens.

According to the forum, while it is crucial that investigations and political engagements adhere to due process and fairness, the current security situation in Kano has gone beyond political rivalry.

KCJF noted that the growing insecurity has started to affect rural communities and now threatens to spill into urban centres if not urgently addressed.

The journalists warned political leaders against making inflammatory statements capable of inciting fear, fostering division, or undermining the efforts of security agencies.

They emphasized that at a time when banditry and violent crime continue to plague the North-West region, leaders must demonstrate restraint, embrace dialogue, and communicate responsibly.

“The citizens of Kano require solutions, not verbal confrontations,” the statement read.

KCJF lamented that the ongoing leadership tussle between political factions in the state has diverted attention from pressing security concerns and necessary reforms.

The forum identified the current impasse as one that is undermining community trust in government, hindering coordinated security planning, and allowing criminal elements to exploit existing divisions.

“Kano State shouldn’t and cannot afford to allow insecurity become a political battleground. The safety and lives of ordinary citizens must remain the foremost priority,” the statement added.

The forum, therefore, called for an immediate halt to inflammatory remarks by public officials and political actors. It also urged regular joint briefings between security agencies and community leaders to rebuild public confidence, alongside enhanced intelligence gathering in rural and peri-urban areas where new threats are emerging.

KCJF further appealed to the state government, political stakeholders, retired and serving security personnel, and the general public to adopt a Unified Security Front that promotes a coordinated response to the state’s challenges.

The proposed strategy includes the creation of a unified, region-wide security framework, collaborative intelligence operations, joint border patrols, and an early-warning system to detect threats before they escalate.

The forum stressed that fragmented approaches are no longer effective, as criminal organizations now operate across state lines. It called for regional cooperation to ensure a unified and proactive response to the growing security threats in the North-West.

“The Kano Concerned Journalist Forum stands in solidarity with the people of Kano and the entire North-West. We urge leaders to prioritize the welfare of citizens over political interests and focus on restoring peace, unity, and long-term stability,” the statement concluded.

It added, “When Kano sneezes, the entire Northern Nigeria shivers. Therefore, the state deserves leadership that alleviates tensions, not one that exacerbates them.”