Summary
The Kano State Executive Council has demanded the immediate arrest and investigation of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing him of making “inciting and reckless’’ statements about the state’s security situation.
The call followed deliberations during the Council’s 34th Executive Meeting held on Thursday at the Government House, Kano, where members reviewed remarks recently attributed to Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.
Both men had alleged that Kano was becoming increasingly vulnerable to banditry and also announced plans to recruit 12,000 personnel into a proposed religious security outfit known as Khairul Nas.
While briefing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said such statements were dangerous and capable of undermining current security measures being coordinated by the state and federal governments.
According to him, “The remarks made by the former governor were not only inciting but also reckless. They are capable of undermining the collective efforts of the state government and the Federal Government in addressing security challenges.”
The Council further noted that within 48 hours of the comments, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state—an occurrence the Council described as troubling, raising concerns about whether the earlier remarks were intentional or connected to the incident.
“We don’t know what Ganduje meant with those statements,” Waiya added. “So we are therefore calling for his arrest. He must be investigated because we cannot afford to watch him destabilise our peace in the state.”
The state government reaffirmed its gratitude to the Federal Government and security agencies for their continued support in tackling insecurity. It also emphasized that no individual or group would be permitted to “create an illegal militia under any guise.”
The Council appealed to political leaders and public office holders to refrain from making comments that could trigger unrest, assuring residents that the government remained fully committed to maintaining peace, stability, and order across the state.
What You Should Know
The Kano State Government is urging federal authorities to arrest former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over remarks it considers inflammatory and potentially harmful to ongoing security operations.
The Council fears his comments could destabilize the state, especially after a bandit incursion occurred shortly afterward.
Officials insist no unauthorized security outfit will be allowed and call for responsible communication from political leaders.
