Kano state governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has said that plans have been concluded to turn the notorious Falgore forest, where kidnapping, cattle rustling and others were taking place into a military training ground.
The governor also said through empowerment to some children of real herdsmen and acquisition of modern security equipment for the security agents, kidnapping and cattle rustling were able to fish out the perpetrators of the heinous crimes.
Speaking with newsmen at the weekend in Abuja, governor Ganduje said he appointed a committee that worked round the clock to ensure that all the cattle that were stolen are returned.
“Yes, when we came in, it was the hay days of Boko Haram and so, we had to work round the clock with security agents. I think what is important is the coordination among the security agencies. That helped a lot in improving the security situation.
“There was a good coordination among the security agencies and a good coordination with the communities and that brought out a lot of information from the communities. I am sure you heard that a lot of Boko Haram commanders were arrested in Kano because Kano was a good hiding place for them, as a mega city where you can easily blend among others.
“With modern security gadgets, the security agents are able to fish them out. We are working hand in hand with the communities.
“Also, we have addressed the problem of cattle rustling and we discovered that the fulanis themselves were part of the problem because they were also snatching cattle from the brothers. We sat down with them and I was able to provide them with some empowerment. Since we entered into that agreement, we have not had any issue of cattle rustling in Kano.
“We have the Falgore forest which is as big as the sambissa forest. I told the President that I wanted the military to use the place for training and he agreed and I also met with the Chief of Army staff and he agreed and right now, the military are using the place for training. The state government will contribute to the development of some facilities in the forest to make it a permanent training ground.
“The issue of kidnapping has also reduced. We also are working with the security agents to enact a law setting up a neigbourhood security which will include all the stakeholders in other to maintain peace and stability in such areas.
“We have bought a number of vehicles for the security agents and hold constant security meeting to access the security situation in the state. We will continue to pray because sometimes, it is the issue of accident which you cannot avoid.”
