Repentant political thugs
Kano State Government has announced plans to grant amnesty to 718 repentant youths involved in political thuggery as part of its “Safe Corridor” program, aimed at curbing youth restiveness and rehabilitating offenders.
The initiative was launched on Wednesday at the Police Command headquarters in Kano, with the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, representing Governor Kabir Yusuf.
Abdullahi-Waiya revealed that 718 youths have already been profiled, with an additional 960 awaiting police verification for inclusion in the program.
He described the initiative as a strategic, non-violent approach to address thuggery, emphasizing rehabilitation and societal reintegration.
“Following police profiling and NDLEA drug tests, these youths will undergo rehabilitation, and Governor Kabir Yusuf has committed to granting them amnesty to clear their past records and start anew,” he stated.
The commissioner noted that some participants would receive immediate job opportunities, while others would undergo further rehabilitation before reintegration.
To ensure transparency, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, and security agencies will oversee the program’s implementation.
Kano’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, praised the initiative as a significant step toward a safer Kano. Addressing the youths, he urged them to seize the opportunity for change.
“To those involved in ‘Daba’ (thuggery), I encourage you to repent, abandon violence, and embrace this chance for a fresh start,” Adamu-Bakori said.
He also called on community and religious leaders to raise awareness about the dangers of crime and violence.
Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, Commander-General of the Kano Hisbah Board, encouraged participants to persuade others to join the program and provide information to help apprehend drug peddlers.
He added that the Hisbah Board might offer mass wedding slots to participants who demonstrate positive change.
Representing the beneficiaries, Buzun Kida vowed that thuggery in Kano would become a thing of the past.
The event, attended by representatives from the NSCDC, NDLEA, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, marked a significant step toward youth rehabilitation and community safety, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
