Kano Govt Demands Immediate Arrest, Investigation of Ex-Gov Ganduje Over ‘Inciting’ Security Comments

The Kano State Executive Council has called for the immediate arrest and investigation of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over what it described as "inciting and reckless" remarks concerning the state’s security situation.

The decision followed deliberations at the Council’s 34th Executive Meeting held on Thursday at Government House, Kano, where members also reviewed comments made by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

Both Ganduje and Jibrin had alleged that Kano State was becoming vulnerable to banditry and revealed intentions to recruit 12,000 personnel into a controversial religious police formation known as Khairul Nas.

Remarks ‘Dangerous and Undermining’ — Kano Govt

Addressing journalists on Friday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, condemned the statements, insisting they were capable of jeopardizing ongoing security operations carried out by both state and federal authorities.

“The remarks made by the former governor were not only inciting but also reckless,”
— Waiya

He added that such comments could undermine “collective efforts of the state and Federal Government in addressing security challenges.”

Bandit Attack Raises Suspicions

The Council expressed concern that just 48 hours after Ganduje’s remarks, suspected bandits infiltrated certain border communities in the state.

The government said the timing “raised questions about whether the remarks were premeditated or linked to the attack.”

“We don’t know what Ganduje meant with those statements. We are therefore calling for his arrest. He must be investigated because we cannot afford to watch him destabilise our peace,”
— Waiya

Govt Rejects Illegal Militia Formation

The Kano government reiterated that no individual or political group would be allowed to create an illegal militia under any guise, saying the idea of the Khairul Nas outfit was unacceptable and unconstitutional.

It commended the Federal Government and security agencies for their ongoing collaboration in securing the state, assuring residents that it remains fully committed to sustaining peace, law, and order.

The Council also urged political leaders and public office holders to refrain from making public statements capable of inciting violence or generating fear among citizens.