Amnesty International has initiated a public investigation into the rising tide of gang violence and politically motivated thuggery in Kano State. This move comes after deadly assaults on May 5, 2026, which left at least five people dead in Kano and Gwarzo.
The organization, in a statement released on Saturday, confirmed that the probe is part of a broader effort to uncover those responsible for the attacks and to identify the politicians believed to be funding the violent groups commonly known as ‘Yan daba.
Isa Sanusi, Executive Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, emphasized that armed gangs linked to influential politicians and government officials are now a major threat to peace and human rights in the region. “The recent incidents of armed gangs working for certain prominent politicians and officials endanger the peace and fundamental rights of all Kano residents. The climate of fear is unacceptable,” Sanusi declared.
Amnesty International is calling on the public, civil society organizations, and families of victims to submit information through secure channels to aid the investigation and ensure accountability. Those found to be sponsoring or engaging in political violence should face consequences under both Nigerian and international law.
The group also urged Nigerian authorities, political parties, and politicians to consistently uphold the rule of law and protect lives and property before, during, and after political events. “The authorities and political actors must respect the rule of law at all times and ensure that lives and property are not endangered,” Sanusi added.
Looking ahead to future elections, Amnesty International called on politicians and parties to publicly distance themselves from the violent gangs that are terrorizing residents and undermining democratic processes. The organization warned that the escalating violence in Kano is eroding citizens’ ability to participate freely in social and political activities, and demanded urgent action to reverse this trend.