A major security advocacy group, the International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS), has warned strongly against the formation of a parallel Hisbah outfit in Kano State, describing the idea as dangerous and capable of throwing the state into chaos. The warning comes after former Kano State governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, revealed plans to set up an independent Hisbah agency to reinstate about 12,000 dismissed Hisbah personnel.
Ganduje announced the proposal while receiving a committee report on the situation of the sacked officers. He said the dismissed personnel, who served under his administration, deserved an opportunity to return to their duties, especially in areas of religious and moral guidance.
However, IPSS, in a statement signed by its Director General, Comrade Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, warned that such a move is not only unlawful but could also destabilize the entire security structure of Kano State. The organization expressed concern over what it called “emerging reports and viral media statements” suggesting efforts to create a new Hisbah body outside the control of the state government.
According to IPSS, the idea of creating a new Hisbah-like structure controlled by a private individual or political figure is extremely risky. The group stated that Kano, which is a historically peaceful but socially complex state, cannot afford such an experiment.
“As an organization dedicated to peace, safety, and community stability, we consider this development both alarming and unacceptable,” the statement said. “Establishing a parallel Hisbah group that is not directly under the control of the state government but a private citizen is a call for anarchy.”
The group stressed that Nigeria is currently battling multiple security challenges including banditry, kidnapping, violent extremism and communal clashes. In such a climate, it argued, forming a parallel security or religious enforcement group could worsen tensions and increase confusion.
The Hisbah Board is a state-recognized institution responsible for promoting Islamic morals, supporting dispute resolution, and assisting law enforcement under Sharia regulations in Kano. The body has legal backing and operates under the supervision of the Kano State Government.
Over the years, Hisbah has played significant roles in campaigns against drug abuse, prostitution, and alcohol sales, as well as in mediating community disputes. However, it has also faced controversy, especially on issues of moral policing, seizure of goods, and clashes with other security agencies.
The dismissal of 12,000 Hisbah officials during previous administrative transitions has contributed to political tension in the state, with many affected individuals seeking reinstatement.
IPSS stated that creating a second Hisbah body will only lead to confusion and clashes. The group warned that such a plan directly challenges the authority of the Kano State Government and violates Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
“Two Hisbah bodies in one state is not coordination. It is a recipe for conflict,” the group warned. “Security, policing and enforcement powers are the exclusive responsibilities of the Federal Government, coordinated at the state level through the Governor, who is the Chief Security Officer.”
IPSS added that the law does not permit private individuals or political groups to form forces that perform policing or enforcement duties. Such actions, it argued, could encourage lawlessness and undermine the country’s fragile security structure.
The group also highlighted several risks associated with creating an unregulated or privately sponsored Hisbah outfit. These include:
Escalation of insecurity due to unauthorized mobilization of armed groups.
Confusion over loyalty, with members likely taking orders from private sponsors rather than lawful authorities.
Fear and intimidation among residents who may not understand which Hisbah group has official authority.
Infiltration by criminal elements taking advantage of the disorganized structure.
Direct clashes between the existing Hisbah Board, the police, and the new group.
Destabilization of Kano’s security architecture, which is already struggling with rising rural insecurity.
“Kano cannot afford experiments in security,” IPSS cautioned. “We must not play with sparks in a state already charged with tension.”
Rather than creating an independent Hisbah structure, IPSS urged political leaders and stakeholders to explore more lawful and constructive ways of supporting dismissed personnel. The group recommended:
Employment opportunities
Vocational and skills training
Community reintegration programs
Psychological support for those affected
“Turning them into a private force is not empowerment; it is provocation,” IPSS said. The organization added that any attempt to mobilize dismissed officers into a separate enforcement unit should be thoroughly investigated.
The group also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies to closely monitor any efforts to form unauthorized Hisbah units. It urged security agencies to track and neutralize any unconstitutional moves that may threaten peace in Kano.
IPSS also encouraged the Kano State Government to work closely with security agencies to prevent illegal groups from gaining influence in the state.
The statement further appealed to political actors, community leaders, and the general public to avoid actions or comments that could escalate tension. It stressed the importance of preserving peace, especially in a state known for high population density, strong religious identity, and a sensitive political environment.
