Amnesty International Nigeria has announced the commencement of a public inquiry into the escalating cases of gang violence and political thuggery in Kano State.
The organisation said the inquiry forms part of an ongoing investigation following the killing of at least five persons by suspected armed political thugs on May 5, 2026, in Kano and Gwarzo areas.
In a statement signed by the Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, the rights group said the investigation aims to ensure that perpetrators and their sponsors are held accountable locally and internationally.
According to the statement, “the recent incidents of activities of armed gangs (‘yan daba) working for some prominent politicians and government officials pose a threat to peace and human rights of all people of Kano.”
Sanusi added that residents of the state are increasingly living in fear, stressing that the situation is unacceptable.
“That these days, people in Kano are living in fear and this is unacceptable,” he said.
The organisation called on members of the public, civil society groups and families of victims to submit information through its secure reporting channels to aid investigations and ensure justice for victims.
Amnesty International further urged Nigerian authorities, politicians and political parties to uphold democratic principles and protect citizens at all times.
“The Nigerian authorities, politicians and political parties must respect the rule of law at all times, and ensure that lives and property are not put at risk and are protected before, during and after political events,” the statement added.
The group also warned politicians ahead of forthcoming elections to publicly distance themselves from armed gangs, noting that the growing violence undermines citizens’ participation in social and political activities.
Amnesty International said the rising trend of political violence in Kano threatens human rights and democratic engagement, insisting that the situation must be urgently addressed.
