Kano Govt Seeks Ganduje’s Arrest Over Alleged Plan To Form Illegal Militia

The Kano State government has called for the immediate investigation and arrest of former governor Abdullahi Ganduje, over what it described as an attempt to create an illegal militia group in the state.

The demand followed deliberations at the 34th meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC) held on Thursday at the Government House, Kano.

Addressing journalists on the outcome of the meeting, the commissioner for information and home affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya, said the council reviewed recent comments credited to Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin, alleging that Kano was vulnerable to banditry and proposing the recruitment of 12,000 youths into a so-called religious police outfit, Khairul Nas.

Waiya said the council considered the remarks “inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining the security efforts of the Kano State government and that of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

According to him, the council noted with concern that less than 48 hours after the statements were made, suspected bandits infiltrated some border communities in the state — a development it said raised suspicion that the comments might have been premeditated.

“Council reaffirmed its appreciation to the federal government and security agencies for their sustained support in securing the state and therefore called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former Governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group,” Waiya said.

He urged political leaders and public figures to exercise restraint and avoid making pronouncements that could heighten tension or incite unrest, assuring citizens of the government’s continued commitment to protecting lives and property.

Meanwhile, the council approved a total of N54.79 billion for various capital projects across the state. The approvals cover major road rehabilitation and construction, upgrades in the education and health sectors, renovation works at the Government House, supply of security equipment, establishment of an emergency operations centre, and the take-off of the new polytechnic in Gaya, among others.

The council also reiterated that all allottees of houses in Kwankwasiyya and Amana Cities must take possession of their properties before the December 31 deadline or risk revocation.