Security
By Aminu Garko
Kano, Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has charged officers and men of the newly-formed state Neighbourhood Watch Corps to demonstrate high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their mandates.
Yusuf made the call on Tuesday in Kano, during the inauguration of the corps and special passing‑out parade.
According to him, 2,000 corps members, comprising 130 females and 1,870 males were trained in various security tactics.
He said they would be deployed across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state to complement the efforts of other security agencies.
He explained that the officers would be equipped with arms and ammunition, to counter major crimes within the state.
The governor said the outfit would form a key pillar of his administration’s broader security‑reform agenda.
This, he said, was premised on community participation, intelligence‑driven operations and strong collaboration, with the police and other security agencies in its operations.
He urged the National Assembly to enact relevant laws to permit the establishment of state police to work alongside the federal police.
The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sunusi II, praised the Kano State government for inaugurating the Neighbourhood Watch Corps, saying it would complement the efforts of existing security agencies.
He urged the state government to strengthen ties with neighbouring states to further enhance regional security.
Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Security, described the initiative as a milestone toward tackling security challenges in the state.
Speaking earlier, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State called on governors of the North‑West region to partner to create an enabling environment for enhanced socioeconomic development of the area
He said collaboration among the governors would enable residents to go about their legitimate business without fear of molestation.
Radda observed that the establishment of the corps by Kano State government would significantly improve the security situation in the state.
He, therefore, urged the officers to demonstrate professionalism in discharging their duties.
Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the national leader of NNPP, urged the Federal Government to ensure that military personnel performed credibly.
He emphasised the need for adequate training and provision of modern equipment, adding that a well‑trained military is essential maintaining peace and security.
He said the fact that Nigeria’s military performed effectively while on foreign mission indicated that with the right support thy could also excel at home.
He advocated support for the security personnel by providing the required information that could help them to effectively discharge their duties.
