The Kano State Government has officially launched Operation Safe Corridor, a community reintegration initiative aimed at rehabilitating and reintegrating repentant thugs into society as part of broader efforts to promote peace and security across the state.
The Independent Mirror reports that the event, held on Thursday in Kano, sought to engage youths from various areas and rally support for the government’s campaign against phone snatching and related crimes.
Speaking at the launch, the Commissioner for Information, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, said the initiative reflects Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s strategic plan to redirect the energies of young people away from political violence and criminal activity.
He noted that the beneficiaries were drawn from eight metropolitan local government areas in the state.
“The Governor of Kano State is committed to supporting the youth — that is why we have gathered you here today to unveil this new strategy,” Waiya stated. “However, we will not tolerate lawlessness.”
He further warned political actors against exploiting youth empowerment schemes to incite violence, saying, “We will not allow any politician pretending to support the youth to use them to create chaos in the state. Thuggery is an embarrassment to Kano, and we urge you to desist from it.”
One of the rehabilitated youths, Alhaji Nana, also addressed the gathering. “Do not allow any politician to use you to cause chaos.
“Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf wants a peaceful Kano, and so does Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II,” he said. “They have never instructed anyone to carry arms against their opponents.”
The event was marked by loud ovations from the repentant youths, many of whom publicly declared their resolve to renounce thuggery and embrace a peaceful lifestyle.
