Kano inaugurates committee to address criminalities  

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has inaugurated a 21-member Kano State Peace and Youth Rehabilitation Committee to tackle crime and promote socioeconomic stability in the state.

Speaking during the inauguration at the Government House, Kano, Governor Yusuf tasked the committee with collaborating with security agencies to combat the rising menace of phone snatching, gang violence, and substance abuse, which threaten public safety.

In a statement by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed concern over the high rate of criminal activities when his administration took office.

The governor noted that while the situation was significantly reduced within the first month of his tenure, the menace has recently resurfaced.

He charged the committee with developing strategic programs aimed at rehabilitating at-risk youth through counselling, skills training, job creation, and reintegration into society.

Governor Yusuf also urged them to partner with organisations and philanthropists to enhance these efforts. He acknowledged that tackling drug barons and political thuggery is a challenging task that requires courage and commitment.

The committee’s terms of reference include organising mediation forums and awareness campaigns on the dangers of crime, drug abuse, and social unrest; identifying measures to support peace restoration and youth rehabilitation; conducting research on youth restiveness; and designing intervention strategies.

It is also entrusted with evaluation and collaboration with media organisations to ensure adequate public awareness and advocacy for the committee’s initiatives.

Earlier, Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo briefed the governor on the successes and challenges faced by a previously constituted committee, which he chaired and whose tenure ended today.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, Commissioner for Science, Technology, and Innovation, Dr. Yusuf Mata, thanked the governor for the opportunity and assured him of the committee’s commitment to achieving its objectives.

Members of the committee include Muhammad Inuwa Idris, Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services; Ibrahim Abdullahi Wayya, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs; and Dr. Danyaro Ali Yakasai, Special Adviser, Policy and Social Development.

Others are AVM Ibrahim Umar (Rtd.), Director General, Special Services, Kano; Amb. Shehu Rabiu, Commander General, Vigilante Groups; Muhammad Sunusi Balarabe and Mamuda Ali Yakasai, Leaders of Vigilante Groups; and Faisal Mahmud Kabir, Managing Director, KAROTA.

The committee secretaries are Dan Asabe Yahya, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services (Secretary I); Abba Adamu Danguguwa, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation (Secretary II); and Yusuf Dahiru, Director of Operations, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services (Secretary III).