In a swift and decisive action aimed at combating the escalating wave of insecurity threatening educational institutions across Nigeria, Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has rolled out a comprehensive security reinforcement plan by deploying no fewer than 1,600 newly recruited watchmen to public secondary schools throughout the state. The deployment, which marks one of the largest single-batch security enhancements for schools in recent northern Nigerian history, is designed to serve as an immediate bulwark against potential abductions, vandalism, and other criminal intrusions that have plagued learning environments in various parts of the country.
The flag-off ceremony for the distribution of permanent and pensionable appointment letters to these watchmen took place on Tuesday at the Kano State Government House, where Governor Yusuf personally oversaw the event. Dressed in crisp new uniforms and equipped with basic security tools, the watchmen—carefully selected through a rigorous recruitment process—stood in formation as the governor addressed them, underscoring the gravity of their new roles in safeguarding the future of Kano’s youth.
This proactive measure comes hard on the heels of the shocking abduction of 25 female students from a secondary school in Kebbi State just weeks ago, an incident that sent shockwaves across the nation and reignited painful memories of the 2014 Chibok girls’ kidnapping and subsequent school attacks in Katsina, Zamfara, and Niger states. The Kebbi abduction, in which armed bandits stormed the school premises in broad daylight, highlighted the vulnerability of educational institutions, particularly in northern Nigeria, where banditry, terrorism, and kidnapping for ransom have become distressingly commonplace. Governor Yusuf, evidently determined not to allow Kano fall victim to similar horrors, described the deployment as “a major milestone in our administration’s unwavering commitment to restoring absolute safety, discipline, and stability in our public secondary schools.”
Speaking through a statement issued by his Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor stressed that no meaningful academic progress or intellectual development can take place in an atmosphere overshadowed by fear. “Education is the bedrock of any society’s progress,” he declared. “When our children and teachers live under the constant threat of violence, the entire purpose of schooling is defeated. These 1,600 watchmen represent the first line of defence—an early-warning and rapid-response mechanism that will monitor every suspicious movement, deter criminals, and ensure the smooth day-to-day running of our schools.”
Under the new arrangement, each watchman will be stationed at designated secondary schools across Kano’s 44 local government areas, with multiple personnel assigned to larger institutions or those in more vulnerable locations. Their duties extend beyond mere gatekeeping; they are mandated to conduct regular perimeter patrols, verify the identity of visitors, report unusual activities to law enforcement agencies, and collaborate with school administrators to enforce discipline among students. Importantly, these are not ad-hoc or casual positions—the appointments are permanent and pensionable, complete with civil-service benefits, a deliberate move to attract dedicated and professional individuals while guaranteeing long-term commitment.
Governor Yusuf extended commendation to the Ministry of Education and the Kano State Senior Secondary Schools Management Board (KSSSSMB) for their expeditious handling of the recruitment and training processes, which were completed in record time following his earlier directive. The speed of implementation reflects the administration’s sense of urgency in addressing what many describe as an existential threat to the education sector.
Addressing the newly inducted watchmen directly, the governor issued a stern but motivational charge: “You are not just employees; you are guardians of our children’s dreams. I urge you to discharge your duties with the highest sense of vigilance, discipline, and integrity. The eyes of Kano—indeed, the entire nation—are upon you. Do not betray this sacred trust.” He warned that any act of negligence or complicity would be met with severe disciplinary action, while exemplary service would be duly rewarded.
The deployment has been widely hailed by parents, teachers’ unions, and civil society organisations in Kano as a pragmatic and long-overdue intervention. Many have contrasted it favourably with the often slow or reactive responses seen in other states, noting that Governor Yusuf’s administration has demonstrated rare political will in confronting the school-security crisis head-on.
Nevertheless, analysts point out that while the watchmen represent a vital first layer of protection, lasting security in schools will require broader collaboration with federal security agencies, the deployment of technology such as CCTV cameras and alarm systems, and sustained community vigilance programmes. Some education advocates have also called for the inclusion of female watch personnel in girls’ schools to address cultural sensitivities and enhance effectiveness.
As the 1,600 watchmen take up their posts in the coming days, there is cautious optimism in Kano that classrooms will once again become sanctuaries of learning rather than targets for criminals. For a state that prides itself on its rich history of scholarship and enlightenment, the message from the governor is clear: the safety of the next generation is non-negotiable, and Kano is prepared to lead by example in defending it.
