Kano Government Calls for Ganduje Arrest Over Alleged Militia Plan

The state government accused former Governor Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje of attempting to form what it described as an illegal militia group. The Ganduje militia allegation followed comments he made about creating a Hisbah-like volunteer force under the Ganduje Foundation.

The remarks emerged shortly after the disengagement of 12,000 workers previously employed by the Kano State Hisbah Board. In response, Ganduje suggested forming a parallel structure. The Kano government rejected the idea and raised alarms during the 34th State Executive Council meeting held at Government House.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, Commissioner for Information and Home Affairs Ibrahim Waiya said the council reviewed Ganduje’s comments along with similar statements made by Deputy Senate President Barau I. Jibrin. Both men suggested that Kano was vulnerable to banditry and proposed recruiting 12,000 young people into a volunteer religious security outfit called Khairul Nas.
The Ganduje militia allegation grew stronger after this discussion.

Waiya said the council considered the statements “inciting and reckless,” arguing that they could undermine ongoing security efforts by both the state government and the Federal Government. He added that suspected bandits entered some border communities less than two days after the comments were made, raising concerns that the timing might not be coincidental.

The commissioner stated:
“Council reaffirmed its appreciation to the Federal Government and security agencies for their sustained support in securing the state and therefore called for the immediate investigation and arrest of the former Governor for attempting to create an illegal militia group.”

The Ganduje militia allegation now forms part of a broader debate around security, political rhetoric, and the responsibility of public leaders during sensitive times. The state government urged politicians to exercise caution and avoid statements that could heighten tension or trigger unrest.

In his address, Waiya reassured residents that the administration remains committed to protecting lives and property. The state called on all public figures to prioritize stability, especially as security challenges continue to shift across northern Nigeria.