Security is bedrock of economic growth, says Kano CP
Kano Police Commissioner Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori has described security as the bedrock of economic growth, emphasising the need for a policing model that protects the economy.
The Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, Mr Ibrahim Adamu-Bakori, has identified security as the bedrock of economic growth. Adamu-Bakori stated this when he received a delegation from the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Senior Executive Course 48, 2026, on a study tour. The delegation was led by Brig.-Gen. L.A. Jimoh (rtd). The theme of their study was “Economic Diversification and National Development: Leveraging the Orange Economy and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Growth in Nigeria.”
Adamu-Bakori emphasised that no form of economic diversification “can thrive without security.” According to him, Kano, as the commercial and cultural hub of Northern Nigeria, requires a policing model that protects both traditional commerce and emerging creative industries such as Kannywood, fashion, music, crafts and digital content.
The commissioner highlighted that on his assumption of duty, the command identified key threats across the 44 Local Government Areas of the state, including thuggery and phone snatching in the metropolis, trans-border crimes in border areas, and farmers/herders clashes in rural communities. He stated that in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, the command adopted intelligence-led policing, enhanced community policing, capacity building, synergy with sister agencies, expansion of the Cybercrime Unit, public enlightenment, and “Operation Kukan Kura”, all aimed at effectively tackling violent crime.
The CP further disclosed that through the command’s departments, 78 Divisions, 11 Area Commands, 5 Tactical Units, and 2 PMF Squadrons, over 4,000 suspects had been arrested for various offences within the period under review. He noted with satisfaction that those efforts had created a safer environment for businesses, markets, transport, and the creative sector to thrive.
The police commissioner noted that reforms by the IGP on Public Trust, Accountability, Technology, Intelligence-Led Policing, Synergy, VCRU, and Improved Welfare had strengthened the command’s capacity to respond to crime and build trust with communities and stakeholders.
This echoes the 2020 police reforms in Lagos, which also emphasised the link between security and economic growth. The mechanism then was different, but the result was the same: a recognition that security is a prerequisite for economic development.
The winners: Kano residents and business owners, who benefit from improved security; and the police command, which has demonstrated its effectiveness. The losers: criminals, who face increased pressure; and the Nigerian government, which must sustain the reforms.
Bottom Line: Security is the bedrock of economic growth. The question is whether the gains can be sustained.