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Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, has raised the alarm over what he described as a growing infiltration of armed bandits into several local government areas of Kano State, warning that the situation threatens the state’s long-standing record of relative security.
Kwankwaso spoke at the 4th Convocation Ceremony of Skyline University Nigeria, where he identified Tsanyawa, Shanono, Bagwai, Gwarzo and Karaye local government areas as communities facing increasing pressure from criminal elements crossing into Kano from neighbouring states.
Read also: FG must take decisive action to tackle insecurity – Kwankwaso
“Kano has remained secure for many years, but these recent attacks are deeply troubling,” he said. “The protection of lives and property is a core responsibility of the Commander-in-Chief, and urgent action is now required.”
The former governor criticised reported peace agreements between some communities in Katsina State and armed bandits, describing such arrangements as reckless and counterproductive. According to him, the deals risk pushing criminal groups into neighbouring states, including Kano.
He urged the Federal Government to strengthen border surveillance, increase security deployments and take decisive steps to prevent the escalation of attacks along Kano’s borders.
Meanwhile, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, has also expressed concern over rising bandit attacks in border communities, calling on residents to work closely with security agencies to stem the violence.
The monarch gave the charge during a visit to Faruruwa community in Shanono Local Government Area, one of the areas most affected by recent incursions linked to gunmen crossing over from Katsina State.
“For months, villages along the Katsina border have experienced repeated attacks—cattle rustling, killings and kidnappings of men and women,” the Emir said.
He explained that his visit was aimed at consoling affected residents, reassuring them of government support and encouraging cooperation with ongoing military and security operations.
“It is our duty to be with our people at times like this, to sympathise with them and to reassure them that the state government and security agencies are doing everything possible,” Sanusi stated.
The Emir disclosed that the Kano State Government has deployed additional security personnel, vehicles and logistics to vulnerable areas, and called on communities to strengthen local vigilante groups in coordination with formal security forces.
“There is already increased movement of the army and police. Communities must also reinforce their vigilantes to protect their villages,” he added.
Sanusi further warned neighbouring communities against entering into peace deals with bandits, noting that such agreements could embolden criminals to attack Kano border villages and escape across state lines.
