THE International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) has issued a strong warning over emerging reports and viral media statements suggesting plans to establish a new, unauthorized religious policing structure in Kano State allegedly linked to the immediate past governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. In a press statement signed by its Director General, Comrade (Dr.) Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, the organization described the development as alarming, unlawful, and a direct threat to the peace architecture of the state.
According to a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by Comrade (Dr.) Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, Director General of the IPSS, on Saturday, the idea of forming a parallel Hisbah group in Kano under any name that is not directly controlled by the state government but by a private citizen amounts to “a call for anarchy.”
The group emphasized that Kano, a historically peaceful yet complex state, requires utmost responsibility and caution to maintain harmony, especially at a time when Nigeria faces widespread insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, violent extremism, and social tension.
The statement stresses that the establishment of a private, parallel Hisbah-like enforcement group is not a political issue but “a matter of security and survival.”
IPSS noted that suggestions that dismissed personnel of a former administration could be reorganized under an independent or privately sponsored Hisbah-styled outfit raise multiple red flags.
Kano already has an established Hisbah Board recognized by law, and creating a second structure particularly one linked to a private foundation or political figure would divide authority, confuse the public, and destabilize the delicate balance that keeps the state secure.
IPSS further emphasized that the constitution makes it clear that security, policing, and enforcement powers rest solely with the Federal Government and are coordinated at the state level through the Governor, who serves as the Chief Security Officer (CSO).
The organization warned that allowing private actors to control security functions in Nigeria is dangerous and historically leads to confrontation and instability.
The group itemized significant dangers associated with the formation of an unregulated or privately funded Hisbah-like group, including:
1. Escalation of insecurity through unauthorized armed mobilization.
2. Mixed loyalties and allegiance to private patrons rather than the state.
3. Fear, intimidation, and increased social tension.
4. Opportunities for infiltration by criminal elements.
5. Clashes with the existing Hisbah Board and state security agencies.
6. Destabilization of Kano’s already fragile security framework.
“This is how societies slip into crisis, quietly at first, then suddenly. Kano cannot afford experiments in security. We must not play with sparks in a state already charged with tension,” the statement warned.
IPSS advised that if the intention is truly to support dismissed Hisbah personnel, there are legitimate alternatives such as employment opportunities, skills and vocational training, and community reintegration programs. “Turning them into a private force is not empowerment, it is provocation,” IPSS stated.
The organization called for a thorough investigation into any statements, groups, or mobilization efforts suggesting the formation of unauthorized Hisbah-like outfits. It urged the police, DSS, NSCDC, and other security agencies to monitor, track, and neutralize threats arising from unconstitutional security initiatives.
IPSS also called for enhanced collaboration between the security agencies and the Governor of Kano State to ensure that no illegal structures gain ground while guaranteeing full security coverage across the state.
Community leaders, political actors, and the general public were urged to refrain from actions or rhetoric that could incite fear or undermine lawful security systems.
Reaffirming its commitment to peacebuilding and lawful security reforms, IPSS stated: “Kano is too precious, too fragile, and too important to be exposed to dangerous experiments in security. The state must choose stability over sentiment and reject any attempt, direct or indirect, to establish a private Hisbah force.”