By Suleiman Ahmad
The Arewa Youths Merger Group has petitioned the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, over growing security concerns in Northern Kano, calling for the urgent establishment of a military barracks in communities along the Kano-Katsina border.
The group made the request in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Musa Mujahid Zaitawa, and issued to journalists.
Group Seeks Military Base Along Kano-Katsina Border
According to the group, the proposed military presence in the area would help strengthen security operations and provide faster responses to emerging threats in communities located along the Kano-Katsina corridor.
Zaitawa said the request was prompted by reported security threats in the area, including allegations involving a notorious bandit leader identified as Kachalla Maha, who was reportedly said to have threatened to infiltrate parts of Kano State.
He said the establishment of a forward military base would improve the capacity of security agencies to prevent criminal activities and protect residents in vulnerable communities.
“Establishing a forward military base in this corridor will strengthen the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and our security agencies to deter criminal activity, improve response time, and protect farming communities and travellers,” Zaitawa said.
Group Raises Concerns Over 2027 Elections
Beyond security concerns, the Arewa Youths Merger Group also expressed worries about the political environment in Kano ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group said it had observed activities which, in its view, could undermine the conduct of peaceful elections in the state if they were not properly addressed.
It therefore called on the Presidency, the Office of the National Security Adviser, the National Assembly and relevant security agencies to ensure that all political actors and security personnel operate within the law.
The group also urged security agencies to maintain neutrality and ensure that the rights of all political stakeholders are protected throughout the electoral process.
Group Demands Due Process Over Spokesperson’s Arrest
The Arewa Youths Merger Group also raised concerns over the reported arrest of its spokesperson, Mustapha Dan Muhammad, by security operatives.
While expressing concern over the incident, the group called for due process and respect for the rights of citizens and civic organisations.
It urged relevant authorities to ensure that any action taken against individuals or groups is carried out in accordance with the law.
Arewa Youths Merger Group Reaffirms Commitment to Peace
The group reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, democracy and youth participation in the political process.
It said it had been involved in voter education initiatives, campaigns against thuggery and drug abuse, as well as youth empowerment programmes focused on skills acquisition in Kano State.
“We support the federal and Kano State governments in their efforts to secure the state. We urge all stakeholders to ensure a level playing field and a peaceful electoral process in 2027,” the statement added.
The group urged the government and security agencies to take proactive measures to address security threats while ensuring that the 2027 electoral process is conducted in a peaceful, transparent and credible manner.
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