Arewa Youth Merger Group (APC) has reconciled rival thuggery groups, popularly known as “Yan Daba” in Kano State as part of efforts to curb street violence, phone snatching, drug abuse and armed robbery across communities.
The peace initiative received the support of security agencies, youth organisations, traditional rulers and the Kano State government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s Kano First Agenda.
During the reconciliation parley, the national coordinator of the group, Hon. Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, flagged off the distribution of registration forms to unemployed youths involved in thuggery and drug abuse.
He explained that the forms would be forwarded to the Kano State Government to facilitate vocational training and the provision of start-up capital to beneficiaries, helping them acquire sustainable means of livelihood.
Zaitawa described thuggery as a major contributor to insecurity in Kano, stressing that empowering young people through skills acquisition and economic support would significantly reduce crime in the state.
He appealed to prominent Northern business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, Abdussamad Isyaku Rabiu, A.A. Rano, A.Y. Maikifi, Bashir Dankullu, Sabiu Bako, Bureza, Danlami Alasan, Hamisu Dankaka and Yahaya Lawan, as well as companies such as Mudassir and Brothers and Garba Karfe Investment, to partner with the group in supporting the rehabilitation of affected youths.
The youth leader also urged parents to monitor their children more closely to help tackle the growing menace of drug abuse and criminal activities.
He cautioned politicians against recruiting youths for violence during the 2027 general election campaigns. He called on security agencies to ensure that any reconciled youth who returns to criminal activities faces the full weight of the law.
Zaitawa further appealed to the Emir of Kano, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, to direct district, ward and village heads to monitor the movement of newcomers into the state as part of measures to strengthen community-based security.
According to him, the reconciliation of rival gangs would not only end violent clashes and street crimes but also prevent vulnerable youths from being recruited by terrorist groups.
He also called on the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, and the National Security Adviser to deploy additional security personnel to Kano to prevent the infiltration of bandits from neighbouring Katsina State.
While noting that Kano remains one of the safest states in the North-West, Zaitawa warned that emerging security threats could worsen as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
He expressed optimism that the reconciliation and sensitisation campaign would be extended across the state to educate young people on the dangers of thuggery and drug abuse while promoting lasting peace.
