Governor Yusuf to Acquire Drones, Strengthen Logistics to Tackle Border Insecurity
Kola Oyelere, Kano
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has unveiled plans to procure surveillance drones and boost logistical support for security agencies as part of intensified efforts to address rising insecurity along border communities shared with Katsina State.
The initiative was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by the governor’s spokesman, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa. According to the statement, the governor disclosed the plans during an assessment tour of Joint Task Force (JTF) bases in Tsanyawa and Shanono Local Government Areas, which have witnessed a surge in attacks by armed bandits.
Governor Yusuf said the deployment of upgraded surveillance technology would significantly improve early detection of criminal movements and enable faster response from security operatives. He appealed to residents of the affected communities to provide timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
The governor also revealed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had responded positively after he briefed him on the security situation during a recent meeting, expressing hope that federal backing would reinforce the state’s intervention efforts.
While tasking the JTF to intensify operations to rescue kidnapped victims, Yusuf condemned the recent attacks that resulted in the loss of lives and displacement of families in the two local government areas.
“We are aware that they have been attacking innocent communities, especially here in Tsanyawa and Shanono. Many innocent lives were taken, and many people were forced into the bush,” Yusuf said. He assured families that his administration remained committed to securing the safe return of those abducted.
Describing the wave of banditry as “new and alien” to Kano, the governor said his government was working closely with security agencies to avert further incidents and pledged enhanced welfare support for troops at the frontline.
During the visit, Governor Yusuf met with relatives of victims, offering condolences and reaffirming that the rescue of abducted residents remained a top priority.
Recent reports indicate that about five people were kidnapped in Tsanyawa and around ten in Shanono during the latest attacks, while one woman was confirmed dead.