Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has pledged to rehabilitate and empower 100 repentant criminals brought to him by the state’s Nigeria Police Command.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, presented the repentant thugs to the governor during the closing ceremony of the inaugural Community Policing Friendly Football Games held at Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
Representing Governor Yusuf, AVM Ibrahim Umar (rtd), the Director-General of Special Services at the Government House, praised Commissioner Gumel for introducing innovative crime-fighting measures.
He stated, “on the 100 repentant thugs presented to me by the state Commissioner of Police, they have all been accepted by the state government and are going to be profiled and got them gainfully engaged with a full package of life-changing programmes to be sponsored by the state government.
“As we gather here to witness the closing ceremony of the maiden Kano State Community Policing Friendly Football Games, which was organised by the Kano State Police Command in conjunction with Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS).
“This sports event indeed came at a better time as it exemplified the spirit of unity, harmony, and collaboration that our Government is striving to achieve for the stability of our beloved Kano State. It is also in line with our vision of engaging and bringing the youths together for development and the progress of the state.
“Recall that when I assumed office on 29th of May 2023, there were security challenges, and in my inaugural speech, I pledged to work with security agencies to quickly surmount all emerging ugly heads of insecurities in the state.
READ ALSO: Ember months: TRACE warns motorists against drunk-driving, other offences
“I also promised to ensure that our street lights which have not been in use for about eight years which culminated in the increase in crimes especially mobile phone armed robberies during night hours especially at junctions and roundabouts within Kano metropolis are restored.”
In his address, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gumel, said that the event was for the overall aim of fostering peace and unity in the state.
He recalled that when he assumed duty, there were rampant cases of armed robbery, phone snatching, and other violent crimes in the state.
He emphasised the need to create synergy among stakeholders such as the judiciary, the media, traditional rulers, NGOs, religious leaders, Kannywood, and sister security agencies, among others to help the police to curb criminal activities in the state.
Gumel, who presented 100 repentant criminals to Governor Yusuf for rehabilitation and empowerment, urged the society not to stigmatize the repentant criminals as they have promised never to go back to crime again.