Political thuggery has remained a persistent feature of Kano’s political landscape, with youths frequently mobilised during rallies and public events, often leading to violence, destruction and fear among residents.
Across the state, political gatherings are rarely held without the presence of groups of young men, some reportedly under the influence of drugs and carrying dangerous weapons.
SolaceBase observes that their activities cut across party lines and have become normalised despite repeated condemnations by authorities. Real-timenews feed
In many instances, these youths clash with perceived rivals, attack innocent residents or loot property, turning what should be civic engagements into scenes of chaos. The trend continues to raise concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of government efforts to address insecurity. Breakingnews alerts
A recent incident at the popular Farm Centre phone market further highlighted the growing menace. Traders were reportedly attacked and their goods looted by suspected political thugs who had gathered outside a nearby event, spreading panic across the area and neighbouring markets.
The recurring nature of such incidents has intensified questioning of the sincerity of political actors and institutions, as analysts argue that the same system condemning the violence may also be enabling it behind the scenes.
From “yan banga” to modern political thuggery
A political analyst and lecturer at Bayero University Kano, Professor Kamilu Sani Fagge, traced the current wave of political violence to the historical “Yan Banga” system, a traditional structure of youth groups originally mobilised to protect the interests of political leaders and their parties. Kanocommunity events
According to him, what once functioned as a form of organised political protection has gradually transformed into a more violent and uncontrolled network of youths exploited for political gain. He said the evolution of this system has been shaped by worsening socio-economic conditions and declining moral values.
He explained that poverty, unemployment and drug abuse have played a major role in pushing many youths away from their original responsibilities, making them easy targets for political manipulation. In many cases, he said, politicians take advantage of these vulnerabilities to mobilise them during political activities.
“That is why whenever there are political gatherings, these youths are hired, given money, weapons and drugs. That is why our politics has taken this dimension,” he said.
Professor Fagge also raised concerns about what he described as political double standards in addressing the issue. According to him, political actors often publicly condemn thuggery while quietly benefiting from the same system.
He alleged that such groups are not only present at local political events but also seen accompanying politicians at different levels of leadership, which he said weakens genuine efforts to curb the problem.
He further argued that the failure to address underlying issues such as education, employment, and social welfare has contributed significantly to the persistence of political thuggery in the state.
Poverty, Unemployment and the Lost Generation of Youths
Another political analyst, Malam Sulaiman Ahmad of Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies, said the growing involvement of youths in violence reflects a deeper crisis of identity, focus and moral direction within society.
He explained that many young people have been diverted from productive paths due to economic hardship and lack of opportunities, making them vulnerable to exploitation by political actors.
According to him, addressing the problem requires going beyond surface-level responses and focusing on its root causes. He warned that without such an approach, the cycle of violence would continue to regenerate itself.
“If you want to cut a tree, you don’t cut the branches—you cut it from the root,” he said, stressing that only fundamental reforms can bring lasting change.
Malam Sulaiman further called for the involvement of committed and patriotic stakeholders who can guide youths towards better opportunities and positive engagement in society.
He emphasised that employment creation remains central to any meaningful solution, noting that idle hands often become tools for manipulation and violence.
He also highlighted the importance of education, but stressed that learning must be accompanied by strong moral values. According to him, some youths involved in such activities have passed through formal education systems but were not adequately shaped in character and discipline.
He warned that exposure to negative influences, whether in communities or learning environments, can significantly distort a young person’s sense of right and wrong if not properly guided.
Parenting, Society and the Crisis of Moral Upbringing
A senior lecturer at the Department of Sociology and Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Bayero University Kano, Professor Abdullahi Maikano Madaki, linked the rising wave of youth violence in Kano to changes in behaviour shaped by weak moral upbringing, poor parental supervision and broader societal influence.
He explained that human behaviour is not fixed, but continuously shaped by a combination of family background, education and social environment. According to him, both internal influences such as parents and siblings, and external factors, including peers and community interactions, play a decisive role in determining how young people behave.
Madaki stressed that the foundation of discipline and character must be laid early in life, warning that failure at this stage often produces long-term social consequences.
He noted that parents carry the primary responsibility for guiding children, stressing that no individual grows in isolation from society. Children, he said, must be taught from an early age what is acceptable behaviour and the consequences of wrongdoing.
The professor further warned that youths represent the future of any society, adding that when their behaviour becomes violent or undisciplined, the entire community is placed at risk.
He attributed part of the problem to lack of supervision as children grow older and begin to interact more widely with society, noting that while youths cannot be completely restricted, parents must closely monitor their associations and activities.
Madaki also emphasised that exposure to conflicting values outside the home can weaken moral instruction if not properly managed, urging families and institutions to work together in shaping responsible citizens.
Police Response and Government Position
The Kano State Police Command has dismissed suggestions that it is not doing enough to address the rising cases of political thuggery and youth violence in the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said the police remain active in responding to incidents and preventing further breakdown of law and order.
“As I am speaking to you now, I have even drafted a press release to share with journalists about this issue,” he said.
The police response comes amid growing public concern over repeated incidents of violence linked to political gatherings, with residents and traders calling for more decisive action to protect lives and property across the state.
Way Forward
SolaceBase carefully observes that there is an urgent need for a more coordinated and sincere approach to addressing political thuggery in Kano. Beyond public condemnation, political leaders at all levels must demonstrate real commitment to ending the cycle of violence that continues to involve vulnerable youths. Kanocommunity events
A sustainable solution requires prioritising access to quality education and meaningful employment opportunities. Without these, a large population of idle youths will remain exposed to manipulation and recruitment by political actors who exploit their situation for personal and political gain.
There is also a pressing need to strengthen moral and civic education within families, schools and communities. Parents, educators and community leaders must work together to ensure that young people are guided towards discipline, responsibility and positive engagement in society.
Ultimately, addressing political thuggery goes beyond security responses. It requires consistent political will, responsible leadership and long-term investment in human development. Without these, efforts to curb the menace may continue to yield limited impact while the cycle of violence persists.
