Kano State has launched a determined effort to combat the scourge of phone snatching and related security challenges by engaging with notorious gangs, according to Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Waiya. The announcement came during a one-day stakeholder meeting between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the state government, organized by the Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.

Waiya emphasized the urgency of addressing rising security concerns in the state, underscoring that the government remains committed to delivering a lasting solution through direct engagement with at-risk youths and notorious gangs. “As you are very much aware, the challenges we are facing have become a very serious concern for everybody, and the current state government is committed to addressing it,” Waiya noted. He identified interconnected problems, such as drug abuse and unemployment, as key drivers of the surge in criminal activities.

The Commissioner disclosed that authorities have identified notorious gangs across the eight metropolitan areas of Kano and are now interacting regularly with their members. “We have been able now to contract a very serious and long-lasting relationship with them, where we interact frequently. They visit us and we visit them,” Waiya explained. He stressed the importance of including these young people in designing and implementing the solution agenda, with rehabilitation and job creation as top priorities.

Waiya further highlighted that about 718 young people have previously been profiled for intervention, with the program continuing to enroll more. He called on CSOs for support, stating, “We have recognized the civil society constituency as a critical stakeholder in providing solutions, which is why we convened this meeting.” Waiya assured participants that the government welcomes oversight and input, stating that accountability mechanisms are in place and that records are open for public review.

Professor M.B. Shehu, appearing on behalf of the International Association for Community Development, stressed the centrality of education and inclusion in overcoming insecurity. He warned that criminality, such as phone snatching, has caused some students to stay away from school out of fear, further straining efforts to deliver quality and equitable education. “We feel that the initiative to create a platform like this, to discuss a way forward with civil society, is timely. As a coalition and with our colleagues, we are ready to support all resolutions and their implementation,” Prof. Shehu said.

Professor Auwalu Halilu, another participant, linked growing youth restiveness and criminality to broader issues of social neglect. He pointed out that criminal behavior is symptomatic of a breakdown in moral upbringing, alienation, and weakening community support systems. “Education remains the strongest tool for social transformation, whether through formal, non-formal, or community-based teaching,” Prof. Halilu asserted, advocating for collaborative efforts among government, faith institutions, schools, and civil society.

Other discussants at the meeting drew attention to the erosion of family values as a root cause, describing it as a man-made issue requiring urgent action. They called for increased parental involvement and community engagement to rebuild strong support systems for the youth.

Lami Bako, one of the civil society representatives, urged all residents and parents to step up their roles in safeguarding Kano’s future. “We need to contribute our quota to Kano and urge parents to be up and doing,” she said, reinforcing the collective nature of the battle against youth criminality and insecurity.

The meeting concluded with consensus that multi-stakeholder collaboration remains essential, and that sustainable progress hinges on the commitment of all segments of society, especially in integrating and rehabilitating marginalized youths.