Kano State, traditionally the political nerve center of Northern Nigeria, is currently grappling with an escalating security crisis, intensified by a troubling blend of political discord and governmental inaction. This precarious situation leaves millions of its residents caught between mounting fear and a noticeable leadership vacuum. Recent weeks have seen a surge in bandit incursions, gang violence, and localized unrest, incidents that should have elicited a unified, bipartisan response. Instead, Kano's political figures have exploited the security challenges as another battleground for their ongoing power struggles, transforming a critical moment for collective action into a cycle of accusations, counter-accusations, and political posturing.

The deep-seated political divisions within Kano have been exacerbated to unprecedented levels. Analysts observe that leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition appear more preoccupied with settling historical political scores than with confronting the grave threats endangering the lives of ordinary citizens. Against this backdrop, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recently alleged that former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was attempting to finance and establish a parallel security or vigilante force in Kano, an accusation he denounced as a serious threat to public order. Governor Yusuf contended that such a move could compromise established security structures and worsen the already delicate situation in rural communities. Ganduje, through his media representatives, promptly dismissed the claim as false, reckless, and politically motivated, asserting that he has never sponsored violence and accusing the current administration of using him as a scapegoat for its own security shortcomings. This exchange has further heightened political tensions and public anxiety, precisely when unity against insecurity is most needed.

Hadiza Nasir Ahmad, a Kano-based lawyer, has voiced deep concern over the rising insecurity across various parts of the state, urging Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to implement immediate and decisive measures. Citing recent attacks in Biresawa and Tsundu in Tsanyawa local government area, along with persistent incidents in Shanono, Ahmad questioned the state government's handling of security. She highlighted that bandits often strike at night, typically between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m., engaging in abductions, livestock rustling, and terrorizing communities. Ahmad noted instances where villagers alerted authorities in advance but received no response. She criticized the state government's silence, the lack of guidance from state-owned media, and Governor Yusuf’s perceived absence of visible leadership as the Chief Security Officer. While commending the efforts of security agencies in the affected areas, she likened their struggle to “fighting a war without a general.” Ahmad advised the governor to strengthen collaboration with federal security agencies and bolster community-level structures for improved intelligence and rapid response. She emphasized that “Security is not a political game. It is a matter of life and death, and the current administration is failing its most fundamental duty.” Ahmad drew a contrast with the “relative calm” observed under former Governor Ganduje, citing coordinated security operations, the clearing of Falgore Forest, and the installation of CCTV cameras. She urged Governor Yusuf to consult his predecessor, noting that a security blueprint already exists, dependent on political will for its success. She warned that “Silence and inaction are a recipe for disaster,” potentially leading to a generation of desperate, unemployed youth turning to crime. Ahmad advocated for empowering community watch groups and consistent public communication on safety, concluding that “If Kano collapses, the entire region suffers.”

Public affairs analyst and political scientist Kabiru Sufi believes that much of the political discourse surrounding Kano’s security issues is misdirected. He attributes tensions between the current and previous administrations primarily to disagreements over the management of Hisbah volunteer groups, which he describes as a purely political matter unrelated to banditry. Sufi contends that the dissolution of the volunteer corps and former Governor Ganduje’s claims of establishing a parallel Hisbah structure generated friction, but he insists this friction should not be conflated with the insecurity plaguing northern Kano. In his view, the issue of insecurity is being unnecessarily politicized, despite the incidents having no direct connection to these political disputes. Sufi maintains that the resurgence of attacks in northern Kano is driven more by geography and regional security dynamics than by governance failures or political maneuvering. He points out that many of the affected local governments border Katsina State, where recent peace deals and military operations have displaced criminal groups, leading to a predictable spillover into Kano. For Sufi, neither past nor present leadership can be held solely responsible for the insecurity; instead, both sides must set aside political rivalry and develop a unified strategy to protect border communities. He warns of an expanding threat, with bandits encroaching beyond previously affected areas, and stresses that only synergy among political leaders, security agencies, and local communities can stem this advance. Sufi recommends improved early warning mechanisms, stronger intelligence dissemination, and a state-level security conference involving stakeholders from affected areas, cautioning that rhetorical exploitation of the situation could entrench the crisis.

Security consultant Dr. Yahuza Getso views the situation in Kano not as an isolated incident but as part of a larger criminal network spanning multiple Nigerian states. He argues that the attacks in Kano – characterized by shootings, kidnappings, cattle rustling, and sporadic raids – mirror patterns seen across the Northwest, thriving in states with weak coordination or political distraction. Getso criticized Kano’s political class for appearing more interested in political statements than practical measures, stating that residents desire “action” over “rallies or exchanges.” He also strongly condemned Governor Yusuf’s recent visit to bandit-hit communities, deeming it a security misstep that exposed both the governor and the communities. Getso was alarmed by publicly circulated videos showing the convoy, warning that such publicity provides intelligence to criminal groups, increasing the risk of ambush. He further faulted the governor’s decision to publicly disclose sensitive security details during the visit, considering some statements as breaches. Beyond criticism, Getso emphasized the necessity for deeper collaboration between Kano and Katsina, the state he believes is central to the evolving threat. He advocates for joint border surveillance, intelligence sharing, community empowerment, and coordinated action by both formal security agencies and local vigilante structures, noting Katsina’s successful models for community defense that Kano urgently needs to adopt. Getso warned that the spread of attacks indicates criminals are testing Kano’s rural boundaries, and without decisive measures, the state risks drifting into the insecurity that has crippled its neighbors. He concluded by cautioning that Kano’s status as Northern Nigeria’s commercial hub is at stake, recalling how Boko Haram activities in 2016 and 2017 disrupted trade and affected the city’s economy. He stressed that continuity, stability, and peaceful business environments are essential for commerce, elements that could quickly erode if insecurity deepens. Getso urged Kano’s leaders to move beyond political disagreements, establish joint task forces with neighboring states, and embrace measurable, strategic operations rather than public pronouncements.

For Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, however, his visit to the affected communities was a crucial step to reassure frightened residents and boost the morale of security personnel. During his tour of Tsanyawa and Shanono alongside heads of security agencies, the governor described the recent wave of attacks as “alien to Kano” and vowed to restore peace. He met with grieving families, including that of 70-year-old Hajiya Zahara’u Mohammed, who was killed during a raid. To the residents, Governor Yusuf promised the establishment of permanent security outposts, the deployment of drones for surveillance, the training of community guards, and the swift rescue of abducted victims. He also informed villagers that preliminary investigations indicated that over 95 percent of the attackers originated from neighboring Katsina State, corroborating analysts’ claims about cross-border infiltration. The governor pledged state government cooperation with federal authorities to secure the region, disclosing that he had already briefed President Bola Tinubu and secured commitments for additional intervention teams. He assured troops in Joint Task Force units that his administration would improve their logistics and welfare, acknowledging their sacrifices in the face of recent fatal encounters with bandits. During the visit, Yusuf urged community members to support security forces by providing timely intelligence and maintaining vigilance. He also announced plans to improve infrastructure, social amenities, and local participation in community policing as long-term stabilization measures. For him, securing Kano lies in “collective responsibility,” where government, security agencies, and citizens collaborate to keep criminal elements out of the state. While critics argue that aspects of his approach expose operational weaknesses, his supporters view the visit as a clear sign of leadership readiness and personal commitment.

As Kano navigates this critical juncture, the tension between political perception, expert warnings, and government response remains palpable. Analysts like Sufi and Getso caution that unless politics is separated from security and genuine collaboration commences, the state may struggle to contain the expanding threat. Yet, the governor’s actions demonstrate a political leadership committed to confronting the crisis head-on, even if his strategy invites scrutiny. It is clear that Kano, once a haven of relative safety in the Northwest, now stands at a crossroads, and its decisions in the coming weeks will determine whether it restores its legacy of stability or becomes the next frontline in Nigeria’s widening insecurity landscape. Observers underscore that effectively addressing insecurity demands collaboration, foresight, and unity, rather than politicization. A collective commitment to dialogue, community engagement, and regional cooperation will be essential to restoring safety and ensuring lasting peace.