As part of efforts to tackle persistent banditry and other cross-border crimes affecting the region, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has announced plans to establish a Northwest Joint Border Surveillance Initiative.
‎Governor Yusuf made the announcement during the graduation ceremony of 2,000 personnel of the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Corps, held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.
‎The Governor said his administration is currently engaging with neighbouring states to develop joint strategies, co-ordinated border operations, and shared intelligence frameworks to curb criminal activities across state borders.
‎He revealed that his administration is committed to working closely with neighbouring governors to ensure criminals find no safe haven within the Northwest region.
‎‎Governor Yusuf said the initiative aligns with the broader vision of the Northwest Governors’ Forum, chaired by the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, to provide a collective response to emerging security challenges.
‎‎The governor called on traditional rulers across the region to support the Neighbourhood Watch Corps, saying it is a homegrown security outfit that is deeply rooted within local communities.
‎He also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Military, Hisbah Board, and KAROTA to support the Neighbourhood Watch Corps in order to strengthen inter-agency collaboration.
‎Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the occasion, former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, as well as the governors of Katsina, Zamfara, Jigawa, and Kaduna states, for their attendance and support.
‎On his part, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, re-emphasised the need for stronger synergy among Northwest governors and security agencies to effectively combat insecurity.
Also speaking, the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, appealed for greater community collaboration, urging ward heads to nominate individuals of proven character to assist in securing their localities, noting that security agencies alone cannot do the job.
