Panic grips Terrorists as newly launched Kano’s Neighbourhood Watch Corps flaunts their martial art skills
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has launched the Neighbourhood Watch Corps (NWC), a state-backed security outfit aimed at addressing the growing threat of banditry and gang violence.
The launch took place on Tuesday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, where the governor announced the enrollment of 2,000 personnel in the first phase. The recruits comprise 1,870 men and 130 women who have undergone specialised training in security operations and intelligence gathering.
To enhance the corps’ effectiveness, Yusuf commissioned 88 Hilux patrol vehicles and 440 motorcycles for deployment across the state’s 44 local government areas.
He said the operatives would complement federal security agencies and be adequately equipped to confront serious crimes, particularly in hard-to-reach communities affected by banditry.
Kano has recently recorded increased attacks in local government areas such as Tsanyawa, Gwarzo, Kunchi, Shanono and Bagwai.
According to the governor, the assailants often strike from hideouts in neighbouring Katsina State, targeting sparsely policed farming communities.
Yusuf described the Neighbourhood Watch Corps as part of a wider security reform driven by community participation and intelligence-led operations. He urged the newly recruited personnel to maintain professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties.
The governor also renewed calls for the establishment of state police, urging the National Assembly to amend existing laws to strengthen subnational security efforts, noting the limitations of the current centralised system.
Kano’s move mirrors similar initiatives by other North West states. The NWC joins outfits such as Katsina’s Community Watch, Zamfara’s Community Protection Guards and Sokoto’s Community Guard Corps, amid continued calls for constitutional amendments to allow state policing.