One Kano Agenda Urges Strategic Preparations for State Police Implementation in Kano

In a statement signed by its Director-General, Ambassador Abbas Abdullahi Yakasai, CISSP, IPMA, the group described the development as a major milestone in the ongoing national conversation on security sector reforms and the future of policing in the country.

While noting that the legislative and constitutional processes required for the creation of state police are yet to be completed, the organization emphasized the need for Kano State to proactively examine the implications of the proposed reform and develop the institutional structures necessary for effective implementation if the bill eventually becomes law.

According to the statement, security remains one of the primary responsibilities of government, and any significant reform of Nigeria’s security architecture must be supported by careful planning, broad stakeholder engagement, and a clear long-term strategy.

The group proposed the establishment of a State Police Preparatory and Advisory Committee to guide Kano’s readiness for the proposed policing framework.

It recommended that the committee comprise experienced security professionals, retired military and police officers, legal practitioners, academics, traditional rulers, civil society representatives, community leaders, and other relevant stakeholders.

The committee, according to One Kano Agenda, should study the provisions of the proposed legislation, assess its implications for Kano State, examine best practices in sub-national policing, identify implementation challenges and opportunities, and recommend suitable legal, administrative, institutional, and financial frameworks.

The group further stated that the committee should advise government on recruitment standards, training requirements, accountability mechanisms, operational structures, and develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap for the state.

One Kano Agenda argued that the establishment of such a body would ensure that Kano is adequately prepared and that future decisions are guided by expertise, evidence-based research, and extensive stakeholder consultations.

The organization also urged the state government to prioritize key areas including the development of a robust legal and regulatory framework, sustainable funding mechanisms, merit-based recruitment processes, professional training systems, technology-driven and intelligence-led policing, effective oversight and accountability structures, collaboration with federal security agencies, community engagement initiatives, and the integration of traditional institutions into local security networks.

The group noted that Kano’s longstanding reputation as a centre of leadership, commerce, innovation, and governance places it in a strong position to lead policy development and institutional preparedness regarding emerging security reforms.

It added that early consultations, technical studies, and strategic planning would enable the state to establish a policing framework that promotes professionalism, efficiency, transparency, accountability, and public confidence.

According to the statement, such preparedness would not only strengthen security outcomes within Kano State but could also provide a model for other states across the country.

One Kano Agenda therefore called on the Kano State Government, members of the Kano State House of Assembly, traditional institutions, security experts, civil society organisations, the private sector, youth groups, and community leaders to actively participate in discussions that will shape the future of security governance in the state.

“The time for preparation is now. Regardless of the eventual outcome of the legislative process, Kano must be ready, informed, and strategically positioned to respond effectively in the best interest of its people,” the statement concluded.