The Kano State Government has announced a bold amnesty program for repentant thugs as part of a new initiative aimed at curbing political violence and youth restiveness.
The project, tagged the “safe corridor” initiative, will rehabilitate and reintegrate over 1,600 youths who once engaged in thuggery.
Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, revealed this on Wednesday during the official inauguration of the program at the Kano State Police Command headquarters.
He said the move is part of Governor Abba Yusuf’s deliberate plan to restore peace and tackle the root causes of political violence in the state.
According to him, 718 youths have already been profiled under the program, while another 960 are waiting for police validation before joining.
“Governor Abba Yusuf is deeply concerned about the menace of thuggery in Kano. The situation is ugly and damaging to the image of the state.
This project is an intentional step to end this menace and give our youths a new beginning,” Waiya stated.
The government explained that the amnesty is not just about forgiveness. The youths will undergo thorough drug tests, rehabilitation, and counseling before reintegration into society.
The plan will also create opportunities for them to acquire skills and become productive citizens.
Waiya noted that many of the youths were manipulated into thuggery by selfish politicians. He stressed that such exploitation of young people would no longer be tolerated.
“This government will not accept politicians using young people for violence. Many of these youths were lured into criminality against their will. That is unacceptable, and we are determined to break the cycle,” he said.
The commissioner clarified that once the police validate their status, the governor will officially grant amnesty. At that point, the youths will be considered free from past criminal accusations.
“After amnesty, they will be innocent before the law. They will have a clean slate like any other citizen,” he assured.
Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, called on those still holding weapons to surrender them.
He explained that the safe corridor provides a rare second chance for offenders to start over and contribute positively to society.
“This is an opportunity to drop the past and build a future. Anyone who refuses may face the law, but those who embrace this program will be protected,” Bakori warned.
The Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, also appealed to the repentant youths.
He urged them to cooperate with security agencies by exposing drug dealers and convincing their colleagues who are still hiding to surrender.
Political thuggery has long plagued Kano State, especially during elections. Armed gangs, often funded by politicians, intimidate voters and disrupt the peace.
Analysts believe this initiative could mark a turning point if properly implemented.
Governor Yusuf’s administration hopes the program will reduce crime rates, restore stability, and prevent politicians from using thugs as tools for violence in future elections.
For many families in Kano, the project offers hope.
Parents whose children had fallen into political thuggery now see a chance for rehabilitation, while communities anticipate a more peaceful environment.
The safe corridor initiative represents one of the most ambitious steps yet by a northern state to reform political thugs and reintegrate them into society.
However, observers warn that success will depend on consistent monitoring, proper funding, and the political will to punish those who continue to recruit thugs.
With 1,600 youths set to benefit, Kano State has taken a bold step that could serve as a model for other states battling similar challenges.