By Uzair Adam
Former Kano State Governor, Engr. Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has warned the Federal Government to take the security situation in Kano seriously, emphasizing that recent attacks along the state’s borders should not be underestimated.
Kwankwaso made the statement on Saturday during the 4th convocation ceremony of Skyline University, held at the Amani Event Centre, Kano.
Addressing the audience, he said, “The security challenges in Kano, especially along the border with Katsina State, must not be taken lightly.
“Lives and properties are at risk, and the government must act decisively to protect the people,” he added.
He further added that Kano has historically been one of the more secure states in northern Nigeria.
“When I served as the governor, the state invested heavily in security infrastructure and training, successfully curbing threats from Boko Haram and other criminal groups.”
However, in recent years, he added, banditry has surged, particularly along local government borders with Katsina State. Areas such as Tsanyawa, Shanonu, Bagwai, Gwarzo, and Karaye have reportedly faced repeated attacks, with criminals crossing state lines, committing crimes, and returning to their bases.
Kwankwaso criticized local accords with bandits in neighbouring states, arguing that such arrangements create safe havens that allow criminal activities to spill into Kano.
He stressed that the federal government, as commander-in-chief, has the ultimate responsibility to secure the nation’s borders and protect citizens.
“The banditry started like a joke in Zamfara and has now spread to Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kaduna. Kano and Jigawa were the only relatively safe areas in the northwest, but recent attacks from neighbouring Katsina show that the problem is growing,” Kwankwaso added.
He called on the government to implement more effective measures to curb banditry and safeguard lives and properties, warning that the ongoing security challenges should not be underestimated or ignored.