Kano, Nigeria — The Kano State Government has granted amnesty to about 1,500 repentant political thugs who voluntarily renounced violence, enrolling them into rehabilitation programmes aimed at restoring peace and reintegrating them into society.
The initiative, which forms part of the state’s broader security strategy, is being implemented under a peace and reintegration framework designed to address the longstanding issue of political violence and youth gang activities in parts of the state.
According to government officials, the beneficiaries largely young men previously involved in politically motivated thuggery were profiled and screened by relevant security agencies before being admitted into rehabilitation camps.
The programme is expected to combine behavioural reform, vocational training, and civic reorientation to prepare participants for productive lives after reintegration. Authorities say the approach is focused on deradicalisation rather than punishment, emphasizing rehabilitation over prosecution.
Officials further explained that the initiative is aimed at breaking the cycle of violence linked to political activities, particularly during election periods, where youths are often allegedly recruited for disruptive purposes.
Inside the rehabilitation centres, participants are expected to undergo counselling, skills acquisition training, and drug awareness programmes, while also receiving guidance on peaceful civic engagement.
