The Governor of Kano State, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has been nominated for the Award of Excellence in Security Governance by the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies, in recognition of his administration’s efforts to tackle insecurity and promote social stability.
The nomination was conveyed in a letter presented to the state government by a delegation from the institute led by its director, Henry Nwokoji.
The letter was received on behalf of the Governor by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
Speaking during the presentation, Nwokoji said the nomination followed an extensive assessment conducted across the seven North-West states.
He noted that Kano emerged as the highest-ranked state in security resilience, policy implementation and institutional response to security threats.
According to him, the assessment showed that the state had recorded notable progress in addressing insecurity through targeted interventions, political commitment and measures aimed at tackling the underlying causes of crime and social unrest.
He particularly praised the Safe Corridor Initiative introduced by the Governor, describing it as a strategic programme designed to rehabilitate youths involved in drug abuse and other social vices before they drift into banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism.
Responding, Waiya described the nomination as a validation of the government’s commitment to peace and public safety.
He said the administration had strengthened community-based security through the establishment of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps, which recruited and trained over 2,000 youths who have since been absorbed into the state civil service and deployed across the 44 local government areas.
The commissioner added that the government had equipped the corps with operational vehicles, motorcycles, uniforms and office facilities to support security operations and complement conventional law enforcement agencies.
He also highlighted the creation of an Anti-Phone Snatching Squad as part of measures to curb crime and improve public safety in the state.
On the Safe Corridor Initiative, Waiya disclosed that more than 3,000 youths had voluntarily enrolled in the programme.
He said the Governor had approved funds for its implementation, with the first phase targeting the rehabilitation of 1,000 youths through a 40-day camp in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
According to him, participants will receive educational and vocational support to aid their reintegration into society and reduce the likelihood of criminal involvement.
Waiya attributed the relative peace being enjoyed in Kano to the government’s collaboration with security agencies, inclusive governance and the support of residents.
He assured the delegation that the nomination letter and accompanying report would be presented to Governor Yusuf, while reiterating the administration’s resolve to protect lives and property across the state.
