Southern Nigeria Youths condemn Kano parallel Hisbah, demand government action

Abuja, NIGERIA – The Southern Nigeria Youths Congress (SNYC) has condemned the emergence of a parallel enforcement outfit in Kano State, known as Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi, warning that its activities pose a serious threat to public order and Nigeria’s already strained security environment.

The group described the outfit as illegal and unconstitutional, arguing that its existence undermines the authority of recognised security agencies and risks further destabilising a country grappling with banditry, insurgency and other forms of violent crime.

SNYC’s position was made public on Friday during a press conference at Voyage Hotels in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, where the organisation called for urgent government intervention and a comprehensive security investigation into the group’s operations and sources of funding.

Speaking on behalf of the congress, its leaders warned that the proliferation of unregulated enforcement bodies could create flashpoints for conflict, particularly if such groups come into contact with the police or other statutory agencies. They said the situation could erode public confidence in lawful institutions and weaken established mechanisms for maintaining public safety.

“Security and enforcement remain the exclusive preserve of constitutionally recognised institutions,” the group said in a statement. “Any private or politically aligned group assuming such powers is a clear violation of the rule of law and a danger to national stability.”

The congress also raised concerns about reports suggesting that the new outfit may be backed by unnamed political interests. According to SNYC, the speed with which the group has reportedly mobilised, despite prevailing economic hardship, points to access to what it described as substantial and suspicious financial resources.

It called for urgent scrutiny of the group’s funding, posing a series of questions it said were of national importance. These include who is financing the organisation, the channels through which the funds are being sourced, how the finances are managed or audited, and whether such funding could be used to heighten political tensions, facilitate arms proliferation or support the creation of a private militia.

The youths’ body warned that unregulated financing of private enforcement outfits could lead to intimidation, abuse of power and serious violations of citizens’ rights, particularly in vulnerable communities.

SNYC urged the Kano State Government to take immediate steps to disband the group and publicly reaffirm the authority of state-recognised security agencies. It also called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other national security bodies to launch a full investigation into the outfit’s leadership, sponsors, activities and financial backers.

In addition, the congress criticised political actors it accused of exploiting economic hardship to recruit young people for partisan objectives. It warned youths in Kano against joining or accepting inducements from what it described as unlawful formations.

“This development is particularly worrisome in a period marked by economic hardship, much of which was contributed to by some of the very individuals now seeking to mobilise youths for political ends,” the statement said.

The congress concluded that allowing any parallel enforcement structure to operate outside constitutional limits would set a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy and internal security.

“This matter requires swift, transparent and decisive action in the interest of peace, national security and the rule of law across Kano State and Nigeria at large,” the group said.

The statement was signed by the chairman of the congress, Ambassador Timothy Oyetunji, and its secretary, Mr Nurudeen Saliu.