Kano Police Recruitment of 'Repentant Thugs' Causes Controversy

Nigerians have expressed their concerns on social media regarding the recruitment of 50 former thugs into the Kano State Police Command.

According to Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, the repentant thugs were recruited as police special constabularies in Kano. During the passing out parade, the Command's spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna, stated, "Today is a happy day for the good people of Kano State and the Police Command because we passed out fifty (50) youths from the two hundred and twenty-two (222) repentant thugs who have since surrendered themselves."

Many Nigerians took to social media to express their views, expressing concerns that this recruitment might encourage unruly behavior among security agents. In defense of Kano state, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, clarified that these individuals are not actual police officers. He stated, "They are not policemen. I was told, and it's been in the news, that they are repentant individuals who have been mobilized into the constabulary scheme of Kano State. The constabulary scheme is not police but a community-based initiative."

In response to Adejobi's explanation, @ifyforever highlighted several concerns, questioning who certified these individuals as "repentant" and whether there was a debriefing, psychological evaluation, and assessment process. They also questioned whether the police rely solely on information provided by their officers without conducting their own investigations.

Reactions to the recruitment have been mixed, with some users questioning the authenticity of the process and suggesting that criminals might be joining the police force. Others emphasized that although the recruits are part of the constabulary scheme, they still wear the same uniform as regular police officers and raise concerns about their authority and actions on the streets.

One Twitter user, @harrizone98, shared an image of an alleged notorious criminal among the new recruits, questioning whether the police were aware of his criminal background. Another user, @AkinronbiDave, expressed that Nigeria often feels like a comedy show, but it is disheartening that these events are taking place in real life.

In response to the controversy, Commissioner Gumel clarified that no criminals were recruited into the force. He explained that Nasiru Abdullahi, also known as 'Chile Madobi,' was among the "repentant influential youths" who denounced violence and opted to become "good ambassadors" of the state. Gumel assured that all 222 youths who surrendered themselves were properly profiled, and the state government organized a skills acquisition program for them. Out of these individuals, 50 volunteered to assist the police in combating criminal activities in the state.

Gumel further countered reports suggesting that the state had a training school for constabulary, stating that no such facility exists. He reiterated that the state government primarily focuses on skills acquisition and human empowerment for these individuals. Nasiru Abdullahi, who stirred attention, was among the group to volunteer as a constable.