The Kano State Government has announced plans to implement an amnesty framework for youths who voluntarily renounce thuggery, as part of broader efforts to tackle gang violence and social unrest in the state.
The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, during the official launch of a profiling exercise under the newly introduced Safe Corridor initiative. He revealed that 718 individuals have already been documented, while an additional 960 youths who have surrendered their weapons are awaiting profiling.
According to Waiya, the programme—spearheaded by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration—is aimed at addressing the long-standing issue of youth violence and gang-related activities in Kano.
“His Excellency, Governor Abba Yusuf, is deeply concerned about the menace of thuggery, which continues to tarnish the image of the state,” Waiya stated. “This initiative is a deliberate and strategic effort to address it head-on.”
Non-Force Approach to Rehabilitation
Waiya emphasized that the government opted for dialogue and rehabilitation over force, describing it as a “non-kinetic approach” to curbing youth violence.
“We believe that by constructively engaging these youths, we can steer them away from violence and towards meaningful contributions to society,” he said.
The Safe Corridor programme includes:
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Police background checks
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Drug testing in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)
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Rehabilitation services
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Reintegration support into communities
Waiya said the state expects those who fully comply with the process to be granted full amnesty and welcomed back as productive members of society.
Political Exploitation of Youths
He also condemned the role of some politicians in fueling youth violence.
“Many of these young people were manipulated by unscrupulous political actors,” he said. “This administration will not tolerate the exploitation of vulnerable youths for political violence.”
Waiya reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating thuggery entirely before the end of Governor Yusuf’s tenure.
“By the end of this administration, we aim to make thuggery a thing of the past in Kano,” he added.
Police and Religious Leaders Support the Initiative
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, urged those still involved in thuggery to surrender their arms and embrace peace.
“A life of violence brings nothing but pain and destruction. This is a rare opportunity for a fresh start,” he said, encouraging others to take advantage of the amnesty and reintegration support.
He assured that the Kano Police Command fully supports the initiative and will work alongside the government to empower and reintegrate reformed individuals.
Also speaking at the event, Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, encouraged beneficiaries to assist security agencies by sharing information on drug trafficking and persuading others still in hiding to join the programme.
The Safe Corridor initiative marks a significant step in Kano’s strategy to restore peace, reduce youth involvement in crime, and promote long-term rehabilitation through community-based support.
