Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano state has approved the sum of ₦484 million to boost community policing and grassroots security across the state, amid growing concerns over security challenges in parts of Kano.

The approval was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Governor’s spokesperson.

Read also: Troops rescue seven kidnap victims in Kano

According to the statement, the approval was granted at the 35th Kano State Executive Council meeting held on December 18, 2025, and presided over by Governor Yusuf.

The funds will be used for the procurement of 300 Boxer motorcycles for the newly established Neighbourhood Watch Corps, noting that the motorcycles are expected to enhance patrol coverage, improve response time, and increase the visibility of security personnel, particularly at the community level.

Governor Yusuf also approved the absorption of Neighbourhood Watch personnel into the state civil service, granting them permanent and pensionable appointments as part of efforts to motivate and professionalise community-based security operations.

The Governor noted that the investment underscores his administration’s resolve to safeguard lives and property, stressing that effective security must begin from the grassroots.

The approval comes against the backdrop of recent security challenges in Kano State, including rising cases of petty crime, phone snatching, thuggery, and disturbances linked to youth gangs in some urban and peri-urban areas.

According to him, the residents and stakeholders have repeatedly called for stronger community-oriented security measures to complement conventional law enforcement agencies.

Observers believe the strengthening of the Neighbourhood Watch Corps will help bridge security gaps, especially in hard-to-reach areas, markets, and residential communities, while fostering closer collaboration between citizens and security agencies.