Table of Contents
- Warning About Insecurity
- Roundtable Details
- Summary of the Communiqué
- Recommendations
- Call to Action
- Next Steps
Participants at a high-level roundtable organized by the Kano Concerned Journalists’ Forum (KCJF) have cautioned that insecurity in Kano State is worsening due to banditry, cross-border crimes, and socio-economic pressures, urging immediate and coordinated action from the government and security agencies.
The roundtable, which took place on December 25, 2025, at the Conference Hall of the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), gathered retired military and police personnel, security and intelligence experts, human rights advocates, government officials, community leaders, and journalists.
In a communiqué signed by Brig. Gen. Lawal Ja’afar Isa (rtd), participants pointed out that “insecurity in Kano State is fueled by a mix of long-standing herder–farmer conflicts, disputes over cattle and land, illegal mining activities, resource discoveries, and the operations of organized criminal networks that exploit porous borders and ungoverned forest regions.”
They further noted that banditry in the state is maintained by “a complex criminal ecosystem that includes arms dealers, drug traffickers, logistics suppliers, corrupt intermediaries, and local informants,” cautioning that rising youth unemployment and economic marginalization are increasing vulnerability to criminal recruitment.
According to the communiqué, porous trade and supply routes connecting Kano to neighboring states have facilitated the movement of weapons, supplies, and personnel by criminals, emphasizing that “an effective response necessitates coordinated intelligence, community engagement, capacity building for security actors, and responsible media reporting.”
The forum recommended bolstering the Safe Corridor Initiative, enhancing intelligence sharing between agencies and states, and equipping and regulating community and neighborhood watch groups to improve surveillance while ensuring accountability.
Additional recommendations included “prioritizing specialized training and modern equipment for security personnel,” implementing youth empowerment and reintegration programs, improving documentation of security incidents, and establishing clear protocols for media–security collaboration to support conflict-sensitive reporting.
While commending the Kano State and Federal Governments for their response to recent security challenges, participants urged all stakeholders to act promptly. “Immediate measures must be taken to enhance intelligence coordination, expand community-based prevention and reintegration programs, and invest in the capacity of security and civic actors to protect lives and livelihoods,” the communiqué stated.
The roundtable resolved to submit the communiqué and a detailed report to the Kano State Governor and other relevant authorities, and to organize a town hall meeting to enhance public consultation regarding insecurity in the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main causes of insecurity in Kano State?
The main causes include long-standing herder–farmer conflicts, disputes over cattle and land, illegal mining activities, and the operations of organized criminal networks.
What recommendations were made to address insecurity?
Recommendations include strengthening the Safe Corridor Initiative, enhancing intelligence sharing, equipping community watch groups, and implementing youth empowerment programs.
How can the community contribute to improving security?
The community can engage in local surveillance efforts, participate in neighborhood watch programs, and collaborate with security agencies to report suspicious activities.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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