The Kano State Government has commenced the training of 380 volunteer youths recruited to serve as members of the newly established Special Anti-Phone Snatching and VIP Protection Guards.
The exercise, which began at the Kano State Corporate Security Institute, Gabasawa, marks the first phase of a planned 600-man volunteer squad under the state’s security initiative.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Public Relations and Enlightenment, Ministry of Internal Security and Special Services, Malam Muhammad Idris, said the programme was designed to equip the youths with skills and discipline to support security agencies in maintaining peace and order.
Receiving the trainees, the Commandant of the institute, retired Capt. Muhammad Bello Mai Gaskiya, explained that the training was tailored to address rising cases of urban crimes, especially phone snatching and thuggery in Kano metropolis.
He said the curriculum includes phone snatching prevention, VIP protection, defensive driving, anti-drug abuse sensitisation by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), counselling by Hisbah personnel, parade drills, and physical fitness exercises.
Mai Gaskiya urged participants to take the two-week intensive training seriously, stressing that their roles would be crucial in restoring order and security in communities. He added that upon completion, the volunteers would be absorbed into the state system and given a modest monthly stipend.
Phone snatching and thuggery have become major concerns in Kano, with residents frequently falling victim to attacks that often leave them injured.
Several urban areas have now been marked as crime hotspots, particularly at night, forcing many to avoid certain routes after dark due to the growing risks.
