The International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) has warned against alleged attempts to establish an unauthorised religious policing group by former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in Kano State, describing the move as unlawful and capable of destabilising the state’s fragile security architecture.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Comrade (Dr.) Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, the organisation expressed concern over “emerging reports and viral media statements” suggesting plans to create a parallel Hisbah-like structure reportedly linked to a former administration.
According to IPSS, such an initiative threatens peace and violates established security protocols.
“The establishment of a parallel Hisbah group in Kano, by whatever name, that is not directly under the control of the state government but a private citizen, is a call for anarchy,” Yusuf said.
He noted that Kano, being a historically peaceful but complex state, requires responsible actions—especially at a time when the nation is battling multiple security challenges.
“At a time when Nigeria is battling widespread insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, violent extremism and social tension, the idea of creating a parallel Hisbah-like enforcement group outside the authority of the state government is not only unlawful but dangerously shortsighted,” he added.
Yusuf stressed that the issue was not political but “a matter of security and survival.”
He warned that attempts to reorganise dismissed personnel from previous administrations into an independent religious enforcement group raised “multiple red flags,” given that the state already has a legally established Hisbah Board.
“Two Hisbah bodies in one state is not coordination. It is a recipe for conflict,” he said.
He further emphasised that the Constitution places all policing and security responsibilities under federal authority, coordinated through the state governor as the Chief Security Officer.
“Constitutional protections exist. It is dangerous for private actors to control security in a country like Nigeria. It never ends well,” he said. “It leads to escalation, confrontation and instability.”
IPSS listed several risks associated with forming an unregulated or privately sponsored Hisbah group, including escalation of insecurity, divided loyalties, intimidation of residents, infiltration by criminal elements and potential clashes with existing security agencies.
“This is how societies slip into crisis—quietly at first, then suddenly,” Yusuf cautioned. “Kano cannot afford experiments in security.”
He said that if the intention was truly to support disengaged Hisbah personnel, there were lawful and constructive ways to do so, including employment, vocational training and community reintegration.
“Turning them into a private force is not empowerment; it is provocation,” he said.
Calling for urgent action, IPSS urged security agencies to investigate any mobilisation suggesting the formation of illegal security outfits and to strengthen their collaboration with the state government.
“The police, DSS, NSCDC and other sister agencies should monitor, track and neutralise emerging threats from any unconstitutional security initiative,” Yusuf said.
He also appealed to political actors, community leaders and the public to avoid rhetoric or actions capable of undermining lawful security structures.
Reaffirming its commitment to peace and stability, IPSS said Kano must prioritise unity and lawful coordination over politically motivated security initiatives.
“Kano is too precious, too fragile and too important to be exposed to dangerous experiments in security,” Yusuf stated. “The state must choose stability over sentiment and reject any attempt, direct or indirect, to establish a private Hisbah force.”
