The Kano State Government has announced that plans are underway to grant amnesty to repentant thugs in the state as part of ongoing efforts to curb political violence and youth restiveness.
The State’s Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed this on Wednesday during the flag-off of the profiling of repentant thugs under the newly launched Safe Corridor scheme.
According to him, about 718 youths have already been profiled for the amnesty program, while an additional 960 have submitted themselves for profiling after laying down their arms.
Waiya explained that the initiative, introduced by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, was designed as a “non-kinetic approach” to address the menace of thuggery, which has long tarnished the state’s image.
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“Governor Abba Yusuf is deeply concerned about the rise of thuggery, which does not speak well of Kano’s image. This project was deliberately initiated to rehabilitate these youths and reintegrate them as productive members of society,” Waiya said.
He noted that the repentant thugs would undergo multiple stages, including police and NDLEA profiling, medical and drug tests, rehabilitation, and eventual reintegration into society.
Waiya also blamed “evil-minded politicians” for luring young people into political thuggery, warning that the current administration would not tolerate such practices. “We want to make sure that the issue of thuggery in the state becomes history by the end of this administration,” he added.
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On his part, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, urged those still engaged in thuggery to seize the opportunity provided by the program.
“A message to our youth: repent, lay down your arms, and embrace peace. The life of crime leads only to destruction, pain, and regret. The Safe Corridor scheme offers you a second chance to rebuild your life,” he said.
Also speaking, the Hisbah Commander-General, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, appealed to the repentant youths to assist law enforcement by providing useful information on drug dealers, while also reaching out to their colleagues who are yet to surrender.