Kano State has been rated the best-performing state in security management in the North-West region following a recent assessment by the Institute of Security and Strategic Studies.
The evaluation, unveiled in Abuja, ranked Kano highest among the seven states in the zone for security resilience and effective implementation of security policies.
Presenting the report, the institute’s Director, Henry Nwokoji, said the assessment was based on an extensive review of security governance structures and performance indicators across the region.
According to him, Kano stood out due to its strategic interventions, institutional capacity and sustained commitment to tackling insecurity. He noted that the state achieved better results in addressing crime, youth-related violence and social unrest than its counterparts in the North-West.
Nwokoji explained that the review examined several factors, including leadership effectiveness, operational coordination and community-driven security initiatives adopted by state governments.
Receiving the report on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the recognition as an endorsement of the administration’s efforts to strengthen security across the state.
He stated that the government has continued to prioritise security through targeted programmes and collaboration with relevant security agencies.
Among the measures highlighted was the establishment of the Neighbourhood Watch Corps, through which more than 2,000 youths have been recruited, trained and deployed across Kano’s 44 local government areas.
Waiya said the corps had been provided with vehicles, motorcycles and other logistical support to enhance security operations at the grassroots level.
He also cited the creation of the Anti-Phone Snatching Squad as part of the government’s strategy to curb street crime and improve public safety.
The commissioner further disclosed that over 3,000 youths had enrolled in the Safe Corridor Initiative, which is aimed at preventing banditry, drug abuse and violent extremism through rehabilitation and empowerment programmes.
According to him, the initiative is being implemented in partnership with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), with plans to rehabilitate 1,000 youths during the first phase through training and reintegration schemes.
Waiya attributed Kano’s relative peace and stability to effective governance, strong collaboration with security agencies and active community participation, adding that the state remains committed to sustaining its gains despite security challenges facing parts of the region.
