In a significant move to tackle rising criminal activities, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially inaugurated the state's new Neighbourhood Watch Corps. The launch event, held on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, saw the passing out parade of the first batch of 2,000 young men and women recruited as intelligence agents and community security guards.
A New Community Security Architecture
Governor Yusuf presented the new corps as a critical community-based security architecture designed to fight the increasing incursion of bandits and criminals into Kano State. He emphasized that the conventional security forces require local partners who intimately know the terrain to effectively end insecurity.
The governor stated that the Neighbourhood Watch was established to complement the activities of the police and other federal security agencies. He called for stronger synergy between state and federal bodies to decisively end the menace of banditry. The corps members are tasked with providing vigilance and rapid response capabilities within their local communities.
Governor's Firm Advocacy for State Police
Beyond the launch, Governor Yusuf used the platform to reiterate his strong belief in the necessity of state policing. He argued that establishing state police is the fundamental antidote to Nigeria's security challenges, as it paves the way for genuine community participation in the security architecture.
"Our administration operates on a core philosophy that lasting peace is built on a foundation of security and opportunity," Yusuf told the gathering. He linked security with economic empowerment, noting that an idle mind is vulnerable to manipulation, while an engaged, employed, and educated youth becomes a fortress against violence and criminality.
Dignity, Power, and Regional Cooperation
The governor highlighted the dual strategy behind the Neighbourhood Watch: enhancing safety and providing dignity and power to the youth. "With the graduation of over 2,000 of you today, we have formally taken 2,000 young men and women from the streets and placed them on the front lines of civil service," he said. He described the initiative as a career-building and livelihood opportunity that creates role models for younger generations.
To operationalize the corps, Governor Yusuf unveiled 88 vehicles and 440 motorcycles. He also affirmed Kano State's commitment to joining forces with other northwestern states to develop joint strategies. This cooperation will focus on coordinated border operations and a shared intelligence framework to address cross-border security threats.
The high-profile event was attended by key political figures from the region, demonstrating a united front on security. They included the former governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; the Governor of Katsina State, Dikko Radda; and the Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Aminu Usman.
