Peace under siege: rising thuggery and gang violence in kano

Peace Under Siege: Rising Thuggery and Gang Violence in Kano

By AIG Salisu Fagge (Rtd)

Kano, a historic city renowned for its rich culture and commerce, is grappling with a disturbing surge in gang-related violence, particularly from youth gangs known as “Yan Daba.”

These gangs, fueled by factors such as poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and political manipulation, operate in areas like Kurna, Dorayi, and Fagge, engaging in crimes like street fights, robbery, and extortion.

The Kano Police Command has launched proactive measures to tackle the crisis, demonstrating a renewed commitment to restoring safety and order.

Under the leadership of former Commissioner of Police, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, the Command has conducted coordinated operations targeting known hideouts of Yan Daba, resulting in the arrest of scores of suspects involved in street violence, drug trafficking, and illegal possession of weapons.

To enhance visibility and rapid response, the command has deployed tactical units, including Operation Puff Adder, Anti-Daba Squad, and Mobile Police Force (MOPOL) detachments.

These teams conduct round-the-clock patrols in volatile areas, particularly during weekends and at night when gang clashes often occur.

The Police Command has also adopted community policing as a strategy to bridge the trust gap with residents. By collaborating with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and local vigilante groups, the police receive actionable intelligence to prevent attacks before they occur.

The Command frequently holds town hall meetings with community stakeholders and youth groups to promote dialogue, peacebuilding, and information sharing.

Recognizing that enforcement alone is insufficient, the police command has partnered with the Kano State Government and civil society organizations to identify repentant gang members willing to renounce violence. Some of these youths have been enrolled in vocational training or provided with startup capital as part of a soft-landing approach to reintegrate them into society.

The Kano State Police Command is demonstrating a multi-pronged strategy, including enforcement, community engagement, rehabilitation, and intelligence, to address the menace of Yan Daba. While these efforts are commendable, sustained success will require deeper inter-agency cooperation, political will, and continued investment in youth empowerment and public awareness.

The state government, under Governor Yusuf, is pursuing a multi-pronged strategy to uproot Yan Daba, including Operation Safe Corridor and the Peace Committee.

These efforts aim to restore security, tackle underlying youth distress, and disrupt the cycle of political gangsterism.

AIG Fagge (Rtd) is the Executive Chairman of VigiLink, a corporate security outfit in Kano