How Murtala Garo Earned Kano’s Seat at the Northern Security Table

By Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
When Kano State Governor, His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf, delegated his Deputy, His Excellency Murtala Sule Garo, to represent the state at the recently held Northern Nigeria Security Summit in Kaduna, many political observers saw more than a routine official assignment. To them, the decision reflected confidence in a leader whose experience in grassroots governance and security coordination has shaped conversations on peacebuilding in Kano for years.

For those who closely followed the previous administration in Kano, Garo’s participation at the summit resonated with the role he played as Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, where he was entrusted with coordinating initiatives that strengthened collaboration between local governments, traditional institutions and security agencies.

One of the defining features of that period was the organisation of zonal security summits across Kano’s three senatorial districts. The initiative brought together local government councils, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to develop practical responses to emerging security challenges.

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As Commissioner, Garo worked with the 44 local government councils to improve community engagement, intelligence sharing and grassroots participation in security management. Many local government officials and security stakeholders who participated in those engagements have continued to acknowledge the collaborative framework established during that period.

Supporters of the Deputy Governor argue that the experience he gained through those initiatives made him a fitting representative for Kano at a regional gathering focused on finding sustainable solutions to Northern Nigeria’s security challenges.

The Kaduna summit itself came at a crucial moment for the region. Convened under the leadership of the Chairman of the Northern Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, the meeting brought together governors, security experts, traditional rulers, policymakers and development partners to chart a common path towards restoring peace across Northern Nigeria.

One of the summit’s major outcomes was renewed commitment towards establishing the Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund, a regional initiative expected to mobilise sustainable funding for intelligence gathering, logistics, technological support and other security interventions across the 19 Northern states.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya noted during the summit that banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, drug abuse and other forms of criminality continue to threaten peaceful coexistence, economic activities and social cohesion across the region, making collective action more imperative than ever.

In many respects, Kano has already begun implementing initiatives that align with the summit’s objectives.

The administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf recently established the Kano State Neighbourhood Watch Guards to strengthen community-based security and complement the efforts of conventional security agencies. The initiative has expanded surveillance at the grassroots while promoting greater community participation in safeguarding lives and property.

Similarly, the state government inaugurated a High-Powered Task Force on the Fight Against Drug Abuse, recognising substance abuse as one of the major social drivers of crime and insecurity among young people. Combined with ongoing youth empowerment programmes, the initiatives represent a broader strategy aimed at addressing both the symptoms and root causes of insecurity.

Against this backdrop, Garo’s attendance at the summit carried symbolic significance. His previous involvement in coordinating grassroots security initiatives provided Kano with representation from an official familiar with the realities of community policing, inter-agency collaboration and local government participation in conflict prevention.

Beyond policy discussions, his presence also reflected the confidence reposed in him by Governor Yusuf following his appointment, confirmation by the Kano State House of Assembly and swearing-in as Deputy Governor.

As Northern leaders pursue a coordinated response to insecurity, experience in building partnerships between government institutions, security agencies and local communities will remain an essential ingredient for success.

Whether through the proposed Northern Nigeria Security Trust Fund or state-level initiatives, sustainable peace will ultimately depend on political will, institutional cooperation and active community participation.

Viewed from that perspective, Garo’s presence in Kaduna represented more than protocol. It underscored Kano’s intention to contribute practical experience to the regional conversation on security and highlighted the value of leadership grounded in grassroots engagement.

As the North searches for lasting solutions to its security challenges, many believe that the lessons from community-based approaches, collaboration among stakeholders and strong local leadership will continue to shape the region’s journey towards peace and stability.This version is suitable as a newspaper feature because it is balanced, analytical, and professional while still highlighting the significance of Garo’s participation. It also avoids making unverifiable claims by attributing opinions to “observers,” “supporters,” or framing them as analysis rather than fact.