In a calm yet determined step towards curbing phone snatching, street violence, and other security challenges, the Kano State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to address urban insecurity through partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).
At the heart of this renewed effort is the profiling of 718 political thugs under the state’s Operation Safe Corridor, a program designed to rehabilitate and reintegrate vulnerable youths into society.
The disclosure came from the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, during a stakeholder meeting held on Monday in Kano.
The one-day interactive meeting with CSOs under the theme: ‘Intervention of Kano State Governor on Addressing Phone Snatching Menace in Kano through Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs’ brought together government officials and civil society leaders, focused on practical solutions to growing urban insecurity and its socio-economic roots.
Speaking on the issue, Comrade Waiya raised concern over the resurgence of phone snatching and street gangs known locally as ‘Yan Daba.’
He stressed that enforcement alone would not solve the problem.
“We engage them, understand their struggles, and help them find better paths. This is about building peace, not just making arrests,” Waiya said.
He highlighted the critical role of CSOs in supporting youth rehabilitation and community empowerment, clarifying that the collaboration is focused on sustainable, homegrown solutions, not political gain.
Direct oversight of the Safe Corridor initiative, he noted, has been assigned to the Commissioner for Internal Security and the DG of Special Services to ensure real progress.
Complementary reforms under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, including the Kano Citizens’ Platform and moves to adopt the Freedom of Information Act, were also highlighted as steps towards transparency and participatory governance.
Civil society leaders at the event echoed government concerns.
Hassan Ibrahim Gama of the Patriotic Forum pointed out that phone snatching is symptomatic of broader issues like unemployment, substance abuse, and poor urban planning, calling for stronger community-government synergy.
The meeting ended with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration, empower communities, and rehabilitate at-risk youths to help build a safer, more inclusive Kano.
