Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reaffirmed his administration's commitment to providing stronger support for security and intelligence agencies to enhance intelligence gathering and protect lives and property in the North-West region. He made this pledge during the opening of the 20th North-West Zonal Directors' Conference organized by the Department of State Services (DSS), Kano State Command.
Conference as a Platform for Collaboration
The governor described the conference as a critical platform for security chiefs to exchange ideas, share experiences, and adopt coordinated strategies to address insecurity in the region. He stated, "It is my pleasure to welcome you to Kano for this important conference. This gathering provides us with a vital platform to exchange ideas, share experiences, and adopt new strategies through coordinated dialogue."
Kano's Security Challenges
Yusuf noted that Kano, being the most populous and cosmopolitan state in the North-West, continues to prioritize security. He emphasized that threats confronting neighboring states also affect Kano due to the interconnected nature of insecurity. He cited the recent abduction of the Secretary of Kibiya Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Musa Durba, as an example of growing threats. The victim was rescued through a prompt intelligence-led operation by the DSS and other security agencies, with suspects arrested on March 26, 2026.
"I therefore must say that there is no doubt that our security and intelligence agencies deserve absolute commendation," Yusuf said.
Investment in Security Equipment
The governor disclosed that his administration has invested heavily in upgrading security equipment earlier procured for the DSS and promised continued logistical support to all security agencies operating in the state. He also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting security operations nationwide, noting that the federal government's determination to secure lives and property has strengthened efforts at the state level.
Remaining Threats
Yusuf observed that despite Kano's relative peace, the state still faces threats such as banditry, farmer-herder clashes, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and the activities of miscreants. He applauded the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, for promoting cooperation among security agencies and enhancing intelligence operations across the country. "The President made the right choice in appointing him. We remain grateful and urge him to sustain the tempo of restoring peace to Nigeria," he added.
DSS Director's Remarks
Earlier, the Kano State Director of the DSS, Abubakar Hussaini, said the conference was convened to strengthen synergy among security agencies and develop strategies to contain security threats in the North-West. He noted that issues such as banditry, arms trafficking, cybercrime, illegal mining, sabotage of national assets, and hate campaigns continue to threaten peace and national unity. "The task of containing arms and ammunition trafficking, cyberbullying, illegal mining, and sabotage of critical national assets is not negotiable," Hussaini said.
He explained that the DSS, as the lead intelligence agency, remains committed to gathering and disseminating actionable intelligence to sister agencies while also carrying out tactical operations to complement enforcement efforts. Hussaini commended the Kano State Government and other security agencies for their support and cooperation, stressing that effective collaboration remains key to addressing insecurity in the region.
The conference brought together State Directors of Security from Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states, alongside heads of other security agencies operating in the North-West.
