Kano Governor Reacts To Calls For Regional Security, ‘We Have Police And Hisbah’

The governor of Kano state, Umar Ganduje, has debunked the call for a regional security outfit in the north, adding that the Nigeria Police Force and the “constitutionally backed” Hisbah commission have been able to secure the state.

Ganduje said this at the Kano Government House, on Thursday, when the new Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone One, AIG Sadiq Abubakar Bello paid him a courtesy visit, alongside other police officials.

According to him, the state does not need any separate security outfit apart from the regular ones recognized by law, adding that the state has no intention for such.

Umar also said that it was risky to give weapons to people who do not have any security training and experience, adding that it could metamorphose to an uncontrollable crisis in the region.

 “You just cannot give what you like to people in the name of security outfit; people who are not trained and who do not even understand how security works,” he added.

Furthermore, the governor explained that the Hisbah commission which had been in existence prior to the call for community police, is enshrined in the constitution of Nigeria, and that their operational guidelines put them under the supervision of the police.

“The Hisbah  are working all in synergy with the police; they are being guided by police and other security agents, as the case may be.

“We don’t see them as separate security entity; they, like any other individual, help security agents to work very well,” the governor said.

Governor Ganduje lauded the AIG, stressing that his new role would consolidate on the peace already prevalent in the state.

“With the good synergy and good working relationship among all our security agencies, coupled with Allah’s Guidance and Blessing, Kano is now the most peaceful state in the federation.

“Your coming to me shows that you really mean business in securing your area of jurisdiction: Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states,” he said.

On his part,  the new AIG, commended governor Ganduje for providing the atmosphere and conducive environment for the security agencies to work effectively and efficiently in the state.

 “I am ready to work and partner with the government and good people of Kano state; the Command and Control Centre itself is another testimony to the fact that His Excellency means well for the state and the people of the state.”

He also promised to do his best to secure the state.

The Hisbah Corps is a religious police force operating in parts of northern Nigerian; they are responsible for the enforcement of Sharia but are expected to alert the NPF.

However, the hisbah corps have been at logger heads with the Nigerian police in the past.