Kano Hisbah Controversy: Analyzing the Risks of Parallel Religious Policing

The International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) has sounded the alarm regarding a proposal to establish a separate Hisbah outfit in Kano State, Nigeria. This development warrants close examination, especially considering the already complex security landscape of the region. The idea, reportedly stemming from former Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, intends to reintegrate dismissed Hisbah personnel, numbering around 12,000, into religious and moral enforcement through a new, independent agency. IPSS views this plan as a potential trigger for chaos.

I’ve seen similar situations unfold elsewhere, and the recurring theme is always the same: good intentions pave the road to unintended consequences.

Kano, known for its historical significance and cultural complexity, demands responsible governance to maintain its fragile peace. Nigeria grapples with significant insecurity – kidnapping, banditry, and extremism are widespread. Introducing a parallel Hisbah force, independent of state control, seems not just legally questionable but also remarkably unwise. IPSS rightly points out this isn’t a political game; it’s a matter of security and survival. Creating a second, privately-linked Hisbah could fracture authority, sow confusion, and destabilize Kano.

It’s not coordination to have two Hisbah bodies operating in one state. Conflict looms. The constitution is explicit. Security and enforcement are federal responsibilities, coordinated at the state level through the Governor. Private actors controlling security? That path is fraught with peril in a country like Nigeria. Escalation, confrontation, and instability are real risks.

Consider the dangers: unregulated armed mobilization, divided loyalties tilting towards private benefactors, and an atmosphere of fear and intimidation among residents. Moreover, a parallel Hisbah could become a haven for criminals, sparking clashes with the existing Hisbah Board and other security agencies. Such a scenario could severely destabilize Kano’s already strained security framework. Kano simply can’t afford to experiment with security, especially in such a volatile environment.

It’s worth noting that if the genuine aim is to assist dismissed Hisbah officers, there are more appropriate avenues. Providing employment opportunities, vocational training, and community reintegration programs would be far more constructive. Turning them into a private militia? That’s not empowerment; it’s a provocation. A thorough investigation into any movements towards forming an unauthorized Hisbah unit is crucial.

There’s more to consider here. The police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) must actively monitor and neutralize any threats arising from unconstitutional security initiatives. Strengthening collaboration with the Kano State government to provide comprehensive security coverage is equally important. No illegal structure should gain traction in the state.

Community leaders, political players, and the public need to avoid actions, endorsements, or rhetoric that could incite fear or undermine legitimate security systems. Their roles as peacekeepers within their communities cannot be overstated. Promoting calm and trust in the established authorities is paramount.

The core issue here hinges on legitimacy and control. The officially sanctioned Hisbah Board operates within a legal framework, accountable to the state government. This provides a measure of oversight and control, minimizing the risk of abuse or arbitrary actions. A privately established Hisbah, on the other hand, lacks this critical accountability. It opens the door to potential biases, selective enforcement, and even the pursuit of private agendas under the guise of religious or moral policing.

Past experiences in other regions underscore the dangers of such unregulated entities. Often, they evolve into instruments of intimidation, targeting vulnerable populations and exacerbating existing social tensions. The potential for abuse of power is simply too great to ignore.

Still, one must acknowledge the frustration and potential grievances of the dismissed Hisbah personnel. Their reintegration into society is undoubtedly important. But creating a parallel security force is not the solution. Instead, resources should be directed towards providing them with alternative livelihood opportunities and ensuring their smooth transition back into civilian life.

Ultimately, the stability and security of Kano State depend on upholding the rule of law, fostering trust in established institutions, and avoiding any actions that could further polarize an already complex society. The proposal for a parallel Hisbah outfit poses a significant risk to all of these objectives. It is a risk that Kano, and indeed Nigeria, can ill afford.

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Keywords: Kano Hisbah, parallel religious policing, Nigeria security, Hisbah controversy, Kano security risks, Ganduje Hisbah, private militia, religious enforcement