Kano Gets New Police Chief Amidst Festering Emirate Stool Crisis

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the elevation of erstwhile Kano state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Hussaini Gumel, to the rank of an Assistant Inspector General of Police penultimate week, the Command on Monday June, 24,  2024, received Salman Dogo Garba as his replacement.

But contrary to a widely held belief, AIG Gumel described the 2023 General Elections as  his greatest challenge in his one year sojourn in the ancient city.

The festering Kano Royal Stool crisis, with the divergent interests it presented, not a few had thought, would have been his most trying period.

At a handover ceremony at the Bompai  Headquarters of the Command while appreciating the Inspector General of Police, IGP, for the confidence reposed in him, and the conducive environment provided for the discharge of his duties,Gumel called on the officers and men of the Command to extend the same support and cooperation accorded him to his successor.

He thanked his colleagues in other sister security Agencies for the synergy and harmonious working relationship that the police enjoyed under them.

But beyond the challenges posed before, during and after the 2023 elections, the outgone Commissioner of Police also acknowledged other difficulties including thuggery and armed robbery activities.

“Managing the post 2023 Governorship election period from the pronouncement of election verdicts to the court processes including the Tribunal and Supreme court sittings, and the  recent attempts by some political actors to politicize security issues around the Kano State Emirate Council are not insurmountable.

“We faced several security challenges including armed   robbery, thuggery, car theft ,threats from bandits along the prone local councils ,kidnappings,and other violent crimes .

“These threats were not only endangering public safety, but also hindering governance and socioeconomic development in the state .

“Under my watch, the Police Command remained professional and committed to maintaining  peace and order. I am confident that these challenges will soon be resolved.

“As I .move to my new assignment ,I carry with me the experience ,lessons and memories from my time here ( Kano). They will continue to inspire and guide me in my future endeavours” the newly promoted AIG  noted.

In the same vein, the Kano State Police authorities on Monday enhanced security arrangements at the two Palaces being occupied by Emir Aminu Ado Bayero and Emir Muhammad Sanusi.

Before now,  a larger part of the security at the City Palace hosting Sanusi had been provided by local hunters .

But the Police in the new  arrangements have driven them away ,and replaced them with heavily armed Police Operatives.

Addressing the Media, the departing Commissioner of Police, Gumel said the reinforcement of security at the two Palaces is  to ensure adequate security and maintenance of peace.

He noted that the enhanced security arrangements have become necessary following reports of an upsurge in thuggery and other criminal activities in some parts of the kano city.

According to him, the heavy security presence at the Palaces is to, also, properly guarantee security for the gladiators, pending the resolution of the Emirship crisis.