Political Feud Threatens Kano Security

The Kano Concerned Journalist Forum (KCJF) has issued a dire warning, stating that the escalating political tension within the state is severely worsening insecurity and dangerously distracting security agencies from their core duties. The forum described the ongoing feud as a sign of a “deepening leadership crisis.”

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by its chair, A’isha Ahmad, the group expressed serious concern that this crisis is amplifying public anxiety and putting the lives of citizens in jeopardy. The tension follows the Kano State Government’s call for the arrest of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, an accusation also linked to Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

The unrest stems from alleged statements made by the top political figures, which the state government claims have “exacerbated insecurity in the region.” These remarks are believed by the government to have contributed to “rising tension and increased criminal activities” across the state.

The KCJF added that the insecurity has now escalated beyond mere political discourse. It is actively impacting vulnerable rural communities, a situation which, the forum warns, poses a great threat to the urban centers of the state, previously considered more secure.

The journalist group urged political leaders at all levels to immediately cease making inflammatory public utterances. It stressed that such statements are “capable of worsening the situation” by inciting fear, fostering division, or undermining the concerted efforts of state and federal security agencies.

The forum warned that the ongoing confrontation between the political factions has fundamentally shifted attention away from critical strategic reforms needed to tackle rising banditry and other criminal operations. This leadership standoff, they argue, is actively “undermining community trust in government,” hindering coordinated security planning, and overburdening local security institutions with political pressures.

A critical point raised by the KCJF is that criminal groups are actively “exploiting existing divisions” to enhance their operations. The confrontation is distracting authorities from crucial intelligence work needed to secure vulnerable areas.

The group called for an immediate halt to all inflammatory remarks by political actors. It also urged security agencies and community leaders to hold regular joint briefings to rebuild confidence with the public and counter the prevailing anxiety.

Stressing the need for a collaborative approach, the KCJF called for enhanced intelligence gathering, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas where “new threats are emerging.” They appealed to all political leaders, security personnel, and stakeholders to adopt what they termed a “unified security front.”

The proposed framework includes a unified, region-wide security approach, collaborative intelligence operations, joint border patrol initiatives, and a common early warning system to identify threats before they escalate. The forum insisted that “fragmented approaches can no longer address cross border criminal operations,” noting that “the North West must act and speak with a unified voice.”

Reaffirming its solidarity with the residents of Kano, the forum said leaders must “prioritize the welfare of citizens over political interests.” They must focus resolutely on restoring peace, unity, and long-term stability, acknowledging the profound regional importance of the state with the stark warning: “When Kano sneezes the entire Northern Nigeria shivers.”