Kano Govt Demands Ganduje’s Arrest Over Alleged Plan to Form 12,000-Member Militia

The Kano State Government has urged security agencies to immediately arrest former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje over what it described as inciting remarks and an alleged attempt to establish an unlawful 12,000-member militia group in the state.

The call was made by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, during a briefing on the resolutions of the state’s 34th Executive Council meeting.

Ganduje, however, dismissed the allegations as “reckless, baseless, and a clear reflection of incompetence.” In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, the former governor accused the Abba Yusuf administration of abandoning its core responsibility of protecting citizens and engaging instead in “political theatrics.”

Waiya maintained that Ganduje should face investigation over suspected links to recent security incidents in parts of Kano. He also warned public figures against making comments that could trigger unrest, assuring residents of the state government’s commitment to sustaining peace and order.

He stated:
“The Council deliberated extensively over the recent inflammatory statements made by former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje and the Deputy Senate President, Barau I. Jibrin, who alleged that the state is vulnerable to banditry and further announced plans to recruit 12,000 individuals under a proposed religious police outfit named Khairul Nas.”

According to Waiya, the Council found the remarks “inciting, reckless, and capable of undermining the security efforts” of both the state and the Tinubu-led Federal Government. He further noted that within 48 hours of the statements, suspected bandits attacked border communities—raising concerns that the remarks may have been “premeditated or linked to the assault.”

The Council reiterated its appreciation to federal authorities and security agencies for ongoing efforts against insecurity and demanded Ganduje’s arrest for “attempting to create an illegal militia group.”

Responding, Ganduje said it was “deeply unfortunate” that Governor Yusuf would rather search for scapegoats than address insecurity in communities such as Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa, which he claimed remain neglected.

Barau: Don’t Politicise Security

Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin also rejected the state government’s claims, urging Governor Yusuf to focus on addressing the challenges confronting Kano. In a statement by his media aide, Ismail Mudashir, Barau argued that insecurity requires joint efforts from all stakeholders.

He dismissed the allegations as false and challenged the government to produce any clip in which he made remarks capable of fueling insecurity.

“The attention of the media office of the Deputy President of the Senate… has been drawn to the false, reckless, and malicious claims…” Barau said.

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