By Aminu Garko
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State has charged officers and men of the newly-formed state Neighbourhood Watch Corps to demonstrate high sense of professionalism in the discharge of their mandates.
Yusuf made the call on Tuesday in Kano, during the inauguration of the corps and special passing‑out parade.
According to him, 2,000 corps members, comprising 130 females and 1,870 males were trained in various security tactics.
He said they would be deployed across the 44 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state to complement the efforts of other security agencies.
He explained that the officers would be equipped with arms and ammunition, to counter major crimes within the state.
The governor said the outfit would form a key pillar of his administration’s broader security‑reform agenda.
This, he said, was premised on community participation, intelligence‑driven operations and strong collaboration, with the police and other security agencies in its operations.
He urged the National Assembly to enact relevant laws to permit the establishment of state police to work alongside the federal police.
The Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sunusi II, commended the state government for the inauguration of the outfit
Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman, Senate Committee on Security, described the initiative as a milestone toward tackling security challenges in the state.
Earlier, Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State, urged governors in the Northwester region to collaborate in creating create an enabling environment for enhanced socio- economic development of the region.
Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso, the National leader of NNPP, called on the Federal Government to ensure that military personnel performed credibly and effectively.
He emphasised the need for adequate training and provision of modern equipment, noting that a well‑trained military was essential in overcoming security challenges. (NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)