The Kano State Government says it will grant amnesty to repentant thugs currently being profiled under its “Safe Corridor” initiative aimed at addressing political thuggery and youth restiveness in the state.
The Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi-Waiya, revealed this at the inauguration of the programme on Wednesday.
The inauguration took place at the Kano State Police Command headquarters in Kano.
The Commissioner, who represented Governor Abba Yusuf at the occasion, said that 718 youths had so far been profiled, while an additional 960 names were awaiting police validation before being enrolled into the programme.
He said the initiative was designed as a deliberate non-kinetic approach to tackle thuggery, rehabilitate affected youths, and reintegrate them into the society.
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He said: “After profiling by the police and drug testing by the NDLEA (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency), the repentant youths will undergo rehabilitation.
“Governor Kabir Yusuf has pledged to grant them amnesty so they can be free from past accusations and begin a new life.”
According to Abdullahi-Waiya, some of the youths would be immediately engaged in employment, while others would undergo rehabilitation before reintegration into society.
The commissioner said that traditional rulers, civil society organisations and security agencies would monitor the programme to ensure accountability and transparency.
In his remarks, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, commended the initiative, describing it as a bold step to foster a safer and more harmonious Kano State.
He urged the youths to embrace the opportunity and turn away from crime.
Adamu-Bakori said: “To our youths, especially those involved in Daba (thuggery), I appeal to you to repent, lay down your arms, and embrace peace.
“The government has provided you with a second chance through this programme.”
Adamu-Bakori also urged stakeholders, community and religious leaders to intensify their efforts in sensitising youth on the dangers of violence, crime, and other antisocial behaviours.
The Kano Hisbah Commander-General, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, appealed to the beneficiaries to encourage others who were yet to surrender to do so.
Daurawa further urged the beneficiaries to provide credible information to security agencies that will lead to the arrest of drug peddlers in the state.
Daurawa said that the state Hisbah board would look into the possibility of allocating mass wedding slots to them, if they proved to be good ambassadors.
Buzun Kida, who spoke on behalf of the beneficiaries, pledged that the era of thuggery in Kano was over.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NDLEA, traditional leaders, and other dignitaries and stakeholders.
