Kano Not A New Bandits Frontier, Say civil society groups

The Kano Patriotic Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) Coalition Forum (KPCF) has debunked a recent newspaper report that the northwestern state is a new bandit frontier.

KPCF, in a statement signed by its convener, Hassan Gama, and co-convener, Mustapha Chiroma, stated that the publication contains misleading claims, distorted narratives, and exaggerated conclusions that risk creating needless fear, undermining public confidence, and scaring away investors from a state that has remained one of the most peaceful in Nigeria.

The coalition stated that the article attempts to portray Kano as a new hotbed of banditry, insisting that this assertion is incorrect and lacks empirical support.

According to the CSOs, recent incidents in a few border communities, which share boundaries with Katsina, are part of a well-known trans-border spillover affecting many states.

They said the challenge is not unique to Kano and security forces have already carried out successful operations, including neutralisation of multiple bandits in Shanono, rescue of kidnapped victims, and strengthened intelligence operations in border corridors.

KPCF maintained that Kano remains one of the safest and most stable states in northern Nigeria, with the state metropolis experiencing no banditry attacks.

“The article attempted to politicise a sensitive security matter by insinuating a “breakdown” between the state government and the Nigeria Police.

This is not only false but a deliberate attempt to create political tension.

“Security agencies—including the Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, KAROTA, Hisbah and local vigilantes—continue to operate through established inter-agency structures. The State Security Council meets regularly, and the government has continued to provide logistics, vehicles, communication equipment, and operational support to federal security agencies.

“The emirate issue referenced in the story is entirely unrelated to ongoing coordinated security operations. Journalistic linking of unrelated political matters to banditry is irresponsible and harmful to public trust.

“The Report Exaggerates the threat to Kano’s business environment —
Kano remains a central commercial hub, and the insinuation that insecurity is crippling business activities is unfounded. Markets, industries, warehouses, and transport corridors continue to operate normally. Investors operating in Kano—local and international—have not issued any advisory or raised alarm,” they noted.

The CSOs stated that the failure to highlight the government’s response is a significant factual gap, as a balanced story should have reported recent joint security operations along the border axis, government reinforcement of the 2013 motorcycle regulation law, activation of emergency response and intelligence units, increased deployment by the military and police, among other developments.

“Terms like ‘new bandits frontier’ are alarmist and do not reflect the actual security situation. Such sensational phrasing spreads fear among residents, affects investor perception, undermines the morale of security forces, creates an exaggerated image of crisis, and damages public trust in institutions.

“Responsible media must avoid framing that amplifies threats beyond their reality. Kano is not “a new bandits frontier. Border security challenges—common across northern Nigeria—are being tackled promptly, professionally, and collaboratively.

“We call on media outlets to avoid sensational reporting, uphold factual accuracy, seek clarification from authorities before publishing, and consider the economic and psychological consequences of misrepresentation.

“The people and government of Kano remain resolute, vigilant, and united in protecting the state’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful commercial centre in Nigeria,” the statement added.