Yusuf Champions State Police Solution

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has emerged as a vocal advocate for the decentralization of Nigeria’s security apparatus, insisting that the establishment of state police is no longer a luxury but a necessity for national stability. Speaking at the Sani Abacha Stadium during the graduation of 2,000 members of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps, the governor framed the move as a strategic masterstroke to reclaim the streets from criminal elements. For Yusuf, the current security architecture is overdue for a reform that prioritizes local knowledge and grassroots intelligence.

The governor’s endorsement of state police comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with a myriad of security threats that have often overwhelmed federal agencies. Yusuf argued that peace and stability are inextricably linked to economic empowerment. He warned that as long as the youth remain idle and unemployed, the cycle of crime will persist. By recruiting thousands of young men and women into the security corps, the governor believes his administration is hitting two targets at once: bolstering safety and providing meaningful careers for the next generation.

During the colorful graduation ceremony on Tuesday, the governor emphasized that the newly trained operatives are now on the “front lines of civil service.” He noted that these 2,000 individuals are not just guards but role models who will earn a livelihood while protecting their own neighborhoods. The logic is simple: those who live in a community are best equipped to defend it because they understand the nuances of the local culture, the terrain, and the specific challenges unique to their environment.

Yusuf’s vision for state police is one of synergy rather than competition. He clarified that a localized force would serve as a vital support system for the existing federal security agencies, filling the gaps that often lead to intelligence failures. By decentralizing the command structure, states can respond with a speed and accuracy that a centrally controlled bureaucracy often struggles to achieve. He called for a collective and innovative approach to the “innovative” tactics currently being used by bandits and insurgents.

The Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps is already taking a structured shape, with 1,870 men and 130 women ready for deployment across the state’s 44 local government areas. To ensure they are not just “foot soldiers” in name, the governor announced a significant investment in logistics. The corps is set to receive 88 Hilux patrol vehicles and 440 motorcycles, a move designed to ensure that no corner of the state is out of reach for a rapid response team.

The governor was careful to address the concerns of human rights and professionalism, which often dominate the debate over state-controlled security. He urged the new graduates to conduct their duties with the highest level of discipline and respect for the rights of the citizens they serve. Yusuf stressed that harmony with conventional security agencies is non-negotiable, as the goal is to build a unified front against lawlessness rather than creating friction between different arms of the law.

Beyond the immediate tactical advantages, Yusuf linked the security initiative to the broader economic health of Kano. He reminded the audience that without peace, investment and social development remain a distant dream. By investing in the Neighbourhood Watch Corps, the administration is essentially laying the foundation for a more prosperous economic environment. The governor’s message was clear: security is the primary infrastructure upon which all other progress is built.

The launch of this corps represents a significant shift toward community-based security in one of Nigeria’s most populous states. Yusuf’s call for state police adds significant weight to a growing chorus of governors who believe that the “Abuja-only” model of policing has reached its limit. As Kano moves forward with its localized strategy, the performance of these 2,000 operatives will likely be used as a case study for the rest of the country.

As the operatives prepare to fan out across urban and rural districts, the governor’s administration remains committed to a policy of “active alertness.” Yusuf believes that recent security developments in the state have highlighted the need for faster intelligence gathering and a more robust presence on the ground. For the people of Kano, the hope is that this new layer of protection will finally provide the peace of mind necessary for daily life to flourish.

The governor concluded by reaffirming that his government will not stop investing in the safety of its people. By combining job creation with proactive policing, Yusuf is attempting to create a sustainable model that addresses the root causes of insecurity. For now, the 2,000 graduates represent a bold first step in a long journey toward a safer Kano and, perhaps, a more secure Nigeria.