- Six neighbourhoods have been identified as areas where they are settling
A leaked intelligence report has revealed that criminal gangs fleeing police offensives are now moving into Kano State, northwest Nigeria.
The gangs, primarily composed of bandits escaping from Zamfara, are reportedly turning Kano into a “safe haven.”
The report, originating from the Zamfara State governor’s office and shared with Kano authorities, indicates that informants linked to the bandits are purchasing houses in Kano to create an escape route for themselves, bandit leaders, and their families.
Six neighbourhoods have been identified as areas where they are settling.
The report has prompted security agencies to monitor estate agents and profile house buyers from Zamfara and Sokoto to curb this infiltration.
A security source confirmed the threat, stating that measures are being taken quietly to avoid public panic.
The increased movement of these gangs into Kano follows military operations against bandits in states such as Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara, where key bandit leaders like Halilu Sububu have been killed.
Kano authorities, aware of past infiltrations by terrorist groups such as Boko Haram, are on high alert to prevent a similar security breach.
Despite ongoing military actions, Nigeria continues to face rising insecurity, marked by widespread kidnappings and killings.