Former Kano State Governor and immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has criticised the Kano State Government for calling for his arrest over alleged plans to form a militia group, describing the move as “reckless, baseless, and fueled by desperation.”

In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Edwin Olofu, Ganduje said the demand for his arrest reflects what he called Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s inability to address the real security challenges confronting the state.

He said the claims were fabricated and aimed at diverting attention from the worsening insecurity situation in Kano.

> “Rather than tackling the growing insecurity in Kano, Governor Yusuf is busy chasing shadows and looking for scapegoats to cover his failures,” Ganduje stated.



He faulted the governor for allegedly failing to visit communities affected by recent bandit attacks in Bagwai, Shanono, Tsanyawa and other border areas, saying such action shows a lack of empathy and leadership.

Ganduje further maintained that he has no history of involvement in violence and noted that Kano enjoyed long periods of peace during his eight-year tenure as governor.

He accused the current administration of choosing “political theatrics and media drama” instead of providing practical solutions to insecurity.


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Background to the Dispute

The controversy follows a surge in attacks across northern Kano communities, where bandits have raided villages, killed residents, abducted families, and stolen livestock, forcing the House of Assembly to demand stronger security measures.

Amid rising tension, remarks made by Ganduje regarding the recruitment of 12,000 youths into a religious-based security outfit reportedly called Khairul Nas were interpreted by the state government as an attempt to form a militia group.

The state government described the comments as inciting and dangerous, noting that another attack occurred just two days later — a coincidence officials deemed “disturbing.”

On November 28, 2025, after a State Executive Council meeting, the Kano government formally requested security agencies to arrest and investigate Ganduje.

The former governor has rejected the allegations, insisting he is being politically targeted and that the government is exploiting insecurity for political gain.