A coalition of 262 civil society organisations in Kano State has faulted a newspaper report describing the state as “a new bandits’ frontier,” describing the publication as misleading and capable of creating unnecessary fear among residents.
The coalition, under the aegis of the Kano Patriotic CSOs Coalition Forum (KPCF), said the report did not reflect the true security situation in the state.
In a statement jointly signed by the Convener, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, and Co-Convener, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, the group said the publication contained “misleading claims, distorted narratives, and exaggerated conclusions.”
According to the coalition, the report risks “creating needless fear, undermining public confidence, and scaring away investors from a state that has remained one of the most peaceful in Nigeria.”
It said recent incidents recorded in a few border communities were spillovers from neighbouring states and not evidence of a breakdown of security in Kano.
“The article attempts to portray Kano as a new hotbed of banditry. This assertion is incorrect and not supported by empirical evidence,” the statement said.
It noted that security agencies had recently recorded successes, including the neutralisation of bandits in Shanono, rescue of kidnapped victims, and strengthened intelligence operations in border areas.
“Kano remains one of the safest and most stable states in northern Nigeria, with Kano metropolis experiencing no banditry attacks,” it added.
The coalition also dismissed claims of a reported breakdown in relations between the state government and the police, describing it as an attempt to create political tension.
“The article attempted to politicise a sensitive security matter by insinuating a ‘breakdown’ between the state government and the Nigeria Police. This is not only false but a deliberate attempt to create political tension,” it said.
It stressed that security agencies in the state, including the Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, KAROTA, Hisbah and local vigilantes, continued to operate through established inter-agency structures.
“The State Security Council meets regularly, and the government has continued to provide logistics, vehicles, communication equipment, and operational support,” it said.
The group said the report also exaggerated the impact of insecurity on the state’s business environment.
“Kano remains a major commercial hub, and the insinuation that insecurity is crippling business activities is unfounded,” the statement said, adding that daily business operations, industries and markets continued to function normally.
It said the failure of the report to highlight government actions was a major gap.
“A balanced story should have reported recent joint operations, reinforcement of motorcycle regulations, activation of emergency response units, increased deployment by security agencies, and ongoing community engagement,” it said.
The coalition said the use of the phrase “new bandits’ frontier” was sensational and harmful to public trust.
“Such sensational phrasing spreads fear among residents, affects investor perception, undermines the morale of security forces, and damages public trust in institutions,” it noted.
While acknowledging the vigilance of residents, the CSOs said Kano people had a long record of community security cooperation.
“Daily Trust rightly mentioned the arrest of suspects at Kofar Ruwa — a clear sign that the people of Kano remain alert, organised and cooperative with security agencies,” it added.
The coalition maintained that Kano was not a new bandits’ frontier and urged the media to be guided by accuracy and responsibility.
“We call on Daily Trust and other media outlets to avoid sensational reporting, uphold factual accuracy, seek clarification from authorities before publishing, and consider the economic and psychological consequences of misrepresentation,” the statement said.
The KPCF said the people and government of Kano remained “resolute, vigilant and united” in safeguarding the state’s long-standing reputation as a peaceful commercial centre.
