Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has unveiled plans to establish a Northwest Joint Border Surveillance Initiative aimed at strengthening security cooperation among neighbouring states and curbing banditry and other cross-border crimes in the region.
The proposal was announced on Tuesday during the graduation ceremony of 2,000 personnel of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano. The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor’s spokesperson.
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Governor Yusuf explained that the initiative would enhance collective security by promoting coordinated border patrols, joint operations, and shared intelligence among Northwest states. According to him, the Kano State Government is already engaging with neighbouring states to develop a unified approach that denies criminals safe haven across state boundaries.
“I want to announce today that the Kano State Government is in active talks with the concerned states to develop joint strategies, coordinated border operations, and shared intelligence frameworks to address these cross-border threats,” the governor said.
He noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, chaired by Dikko Umar Radda, governor of Katsina State, which seeks a collective response to the region’s security challenges.
Governor Yusuf emphasised that insecurity does not respect state borders, making inter-state collaboration critical for lasting peace.
Highlighting the benefits of regional cooperation, the governor said the joint border surveillance framework would improve early warning systems, enhance rapid response capabilities, and reduce the movement of criminal elements across state lines.
Governor Yusuf also called on traditional rulers to support the Neighbourhood Watch Corps, describing it as a community-based security structure well-positioned to provide grassroots intelligence.
He further appealed to federal and state security agencies—including the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, NSCDC, the Nigerian Military, Hisbah Board, and KAROTA—to work closely with the corps to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
“No single agency can secure Kano State alone. The security challenges we face today require unprecedented cooperation and coordination,” he said.
Addressing the newly graduated personnel, the governor urged them to carry out their duties with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the rule of law. He also unveiled over 400 operational vehicles to boost their efficiency and operational reach across the state.
At the event, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former Kano State Governor, called on the Federal Government to absorb trained youths into the Nigerian Armed Forces to address manpower shortages.
Similarly, Governor Radda stressed the need for sustained synergy among Northwest governors and security agencies.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, also underscored the importance of community participation in security, urging ward heads to nominate credible individuals to support local security efforts.
The initiative, stakeholders say, represents a significant step toward enhancing regional security and ensuring safer borders across the Northwest.
