Open Letter to the Governor of Kano State on Insecurity*
_By Abu Fouad_
Dear Governor Yusuf,
I hope this letter finds you well. I write not out of disrespect, but in the hope that it reaches you quickly. 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 a border 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 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. We must remember that maintaining law and order is a collective responsibility; insecurity does not discriminate, and its consequences are far‑reaching. The growing insecurity in Kano has therefore become a grave concern for all.
Today, Kano—my state, my home—is facing a severe security threat. Yet some “willing tools” take to social media to insult anyone who raises concerns, subjecting them to cyber‑bullying. These selfish individuals, who sell their conscience for peanuts, misinterpret every call for accountability as an attack on the Governor and the administration. However, these willing tools, with their praise‑singing or deliberate attempts to mislead the public, forget that security is measured by the safety citizens experience each day.
I appeal to your leadership to act decisively—strengthen collaboration between the government and traditional institutions, which have historically safeguarded our communities—and ensure that Kano’s future is not defined by fear. Regardless of political differences, the people of Kano stand ready to support any initiative that brings lasting peace to our state.
In that spirit, I humbly request your consideration of the following recommendations:
1. *Strengthen coordination* between state security agencies and traditional rulers, who are closest to the grassroots and can provide timely intelligence.
2. *Deploy additional mobile patrols* to high‑risk areas to ensure a visible presence that deters criminal activity.
3. *Integrate IT‑driven tools—particularly low‑cost surveillance drones—into law‑enforcement operations.* In rural areas where farmers and communities frequently face threats from armed groups, these drones can offer an innovative protective mechanism. They can patrol large agricultural zones and provide real‑time surveillance of potential threats.
4. *Equip drones with night‑vision and thermal cameras* to monitor farms and border areas, sending real‑time alerts to a central command centre. Local residents can be trained as “drone observers,” reporting suspicious activities through a simple mobile app linked to the command centre.
5. *Integrate data* gathered into the state’s emergency‑response system to improve coordination among the Police, Army, NSCDC, and community watch groups.
6. *Support community‑based vigilante groups* with proper training and equipment, while maintaining strict oversight to prevent misuse.
7. *Accelerate the provision of basic infrastructure*—roads, communication networks, and rural lighting—to reduce isolation and strengthen community safety.
8. *Establish a rapid‑response mechanism* for reporting and addressing incidents, with clear timelines for action.
9. *Issue an executive order* declaring local‑government areas bordering Katsina State as militarized zones to curb bandit activities.
10. *Resolve any misunderstandings*—if they exist—between yourself and other heads of security agencies in the state, and work closely with them to ensure a united front against insecurity.
Sincerely,
Abu Fouad
Concerned citizen of Kano State