The Kano State Government says it has renewed its commitment to a citizen-led security approach as part of efforts to strengthen community policing and enhance public safety across the state.
Mrs. Maimuna Sherif, Special Adviser on Community Policing to Gov. Abba Yusuf, made this known on Friday at a stakeholders’ meeting on improving police–community relations, organised by the Voluntary Aid Initiative (VAI) in Kano.
Sherif said the administration was deepening its engagement with local community structures to strengthen intelligence gathering and improve collaboration between residents and security agencies. She added that Kano’s large population and diversity demand a policing strategy that positions citizens as key partners.
“Our communities know the environment, they know the people, and their support provides critical information that helps security agencies identify criminal hideouts,” she said.
Sherif also disclosed that the government was finalising the establishment of a Security Trust Fund to mobilise public and private sector resources in support of security operations across the state.
Earlier, Executive Director of VAI, Mr Musa Aboki, said the Police Reform Project builds on earlier phases implemented in Bauchi and Zamfara, with similar interventions underway in two South-East states.
He said Phase III of the project features community scorecards, dialogue sessions and follow-up engagements aimed at addressing trust gaps between the police and the public.
According to him, past assessments highlighted concerns such as bribery, slow police response, confidentiality breaches, traffic indiscipline among some officers, and residents’ reluctance to volunteer intelligence.
Aboki noted that many of the challenges confronting community policing reflect shared responsibilities between citizens and the police. He also stressed the need for stronger early warning and early response systems to prevent violence and criminal activity.
Speaking on behalf of the Kano State Police Command, Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Kiyawa, said the command would partner with VAI to deepen police–community relations and promote mutual accountability.
Represented by ASP Muhammad Jawad, he said the initiative includes a series of engagements with communities in Rano and Gwale LGAs to promote better understanding and cooperation.
Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Dorayi Babba community, Alhaji Auwal Garba, noted that fewer than 500,000 police officers are responsible for securing more than 220 million Nigerians, underscoring the need for community participation in security.
“Community policing enables citizens to participate in the security structure. Through vigilantes and early reporting of suspicious activities, the community becomes a partner in sustaining peace,” he said.
Garba reaffirmed the PCRC’s commitment to working with government, security agencies and civil society groups to strengthen community policing across the state.