Security: Kano CSOs Fault ‘Newspaper’ Story, Describe Report as Misleading
The Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF), a network of 262 civil society organisations in Kano State, has dismissed a recent report by one national daily newspaper titled “Kano — New Bandits Frontier,” describing it as misleading, sensational and capable of causing unnecessary public fear.
In a statement issued and signed on Wednesday, by the Convener of the forum, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, and Co-Convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, said the publication of December 2, 2025, contained exaggerated narratives that do not reflect the true security situation in the state.
The coalition said the newspaper’s description of Kano as a new frontier for banditry was “incorrect and unsupported by empirical evidence.”
While acknowledging isolated incidents in border communities adjoining Katsina State, the group noted that such spillover challenges are common across northern Nigeria and do not amount to a breakdown of security in Kano.
The CSOs highlighted recent security operations— including the neutralisation of bandits in Shanono, rescue of kidnapped victims, and enhanced intelligence deployments — as proof that security agencies remain in firm control.
They added that Kano metropolis has recorded no banditry attacks.
KPCF also faulted the report’s suggestion of a rift between the Kano State Government and the Nigeria Police, describing the claim as “false and politically motivated.”
According to the statement, the State Security Council meets regularly, and the government continues to provide logistics, vehicles and operational support to federal security agencies, including the Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC and others.
The group said linking the emirate issue to security matters was also an attempt to politicise a sensitive national concern.
The forum criticised the report’s claim that insecurity is harming Kano’s business activities, insisting that markets, industries and transport systems are functioning normally.
It noted that no investor local or international has issued any advisory on security concerns in the state.
The group added that, Security enhancement measures such as night patrols, intelligence-driven surveillance, enforcement of transport regulations and community vigilance networks were said to be yielding results.
The coalition condemned the report for failing to highlight recent joint operations, enhanced border monitoring, community engagement efforts, and military/police deployments.
They described the omission as a “major factual gap” that contributed to the alarmist tone of the report.
KPCF said the recent arrest of suspects at Kofar Ruwa, as cited by the newspaper, was evidence of public vigilance and cooperation with security agencies, contradicting any claims that the state is overwhelmed.
The coalition urged media organisations to avoid sensationalism and ensure factual accuracy in reporting sensitive security issues.
