The Kano State Government has once again demanded the arrest of former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, accusing him of making statements capable of fuelling insecurity across the state.
The call followed the 34th State Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, where officials reviewed comments attributed to Ganduje and Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin.
Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described Ganduje’s alleged plan to form a 12,000-man religious police outfit, Khairul Nas, as “dangerous and inflammatory,” noting it coincided with bandit activity in border communities.
“The remarks are seen as a deliberate attempt to undermine ongoing security operations,” Waiya said. He added that the Yusuf administration, in coordination with federal security agencies, has been working to maintain stability amid the complex security environment.
The council instructed security authorities to immediately investigate and arrest Ganduje over what it described as an attempt to create an illegal militia.
Waiya also warned prominent figures against making statements that could escalate tensions or provoke unrest.
Reacting, Ganduje dismissed the allegations as baseless, reckless, and politically motivated. Through his media aide, he accused Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of using him as a scapegoat to cover the administration’s failure to address insecurity in communities like Bagwai, Shanono, and Tsanyawa.
“I have never supported or initiated any action that could undermine Kano’s peace,” the former governor said, adding that the allegations were fabricated to divert public attention from government shortcomings.
Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin also rejected claims that his statements undermined security efforts.
He challenged the state government to provide evidence of any statement in which he incited threats to public safety, insisting he has consistently advocated cooperation among stakeholders to tackle national security challenges.
As tensions rise, both camps continue to trade blame over the worsening insecurity in Kano State, leaving residents anxious about the government’s ability to restore peace.