In a surprising turn of events, the Kano State Police Command has trained and converted 50 hardened criminals to Police Constables.

The idea behind the development, according to investigations by DAILY POST, was to use the repentant criminals against their colleagues who have refused to repent and shun criminal activities.

The Commissioner of Police, CP, Mohammed Usaini Gumel, while addressing the 50 selected repentant thugs drawn from Dala, Fagge, Ungogo, Municipal and Gwale LGAs of Kano State, upon the completion of the two-month in-take training as members of the Nigeria Police Special Constabulary, noted that they were lucky for deciding to turn a new leaf.

Addressing the men, the CP said, “Today is a happy day for the good people of Kano State and the Police Command because we passed out fifty youths from the two hundred and twenty-two repentant thugs who have since surrendered themselves and promised never to engage in thuggery activities (Fadan Daba) and other social vices that have been bedevilling the state especially during the 2nd quarter of the year 2023.”

He further recalled that about three months earlier, the Police Command invited some identified individuals believed to be behind the escalation of thuggery (Fadan Yan Daba) and other heinous crimes in the state for dialogue.

A total of 222 repentant thugs were received, he said.

The CP added, “We have forwarded their details to the State Governor during our friendly football match with them at Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar Mata, Kano, for them to be supported by way of engaging them in some life-changing programs.

“It is from this number that fifty (50) volunteered to work with the Police and to contribute to the security and development of the state.

“Taking into consideration their commitment to ensuring peace in the state since their repentance, we trained them in classes and the field and kitted them as members of the Special Constabulary.

“Today, they proved to us that the security of Kano is their concern and they will not allow any insecurity elements to jeopardize the peace being enjoyed in the state.”

Gumel appreciated the supervising officers of the Command for their efforts in crime fighting and further urged them to continue with community policing engagements with key stakeholders in their areas of responsibilities.

He reiterated that any officer who cannot inspire public confidence or gain people’s trust was not fit for any sensitive office, and further charged the supervising officers to redouble their efforts as the reward of good work is more work.

The CP, in the same vein, directed the officers to work closely with members of the Police Special Constabulary posted back to their communities.

“During the passing out parade, the Commissioner of Police, CP informed them that “Today is a happy day for the good people of Kano State and the Police Command because we passed out fifty (50) youths from the two hundred and twenty-two (222) repentant thugs who have since surrendered themselves and promised never to engage in thuggery activities (Fadan Daba) and other social vices that have been bedevilling the State especially during the 2nd quarter of the year 2023.

“He further recalled when about three months ago, the police command during a press conference invited some identified individuals who are behind the escalation of thuggery (Fadan Yan Daba) and other heinous crimes in the State for dialogue. As a result, a total of two hundred and twenty-two (222) repentant thugs were received and we have forwarded their details to the State Governor during our friendly football match with them at Sani Abacha Stadium Kofar Mata, Kano for them to be supported by way of engaging them in some life-changing programs.

“It is from this number that fifty (50) volunteered to work with the Police and to contribute to the security and development of the State. Taking into consideration their commitment to ensuring peace in the State since their repentance, we trained them in classes and the field and kitted them as members of the Special Constabulary.

“Today, they proved to us that the security of Kano is their concern and they will not allow any insecurity elements to jeopardize the peace being enjoyed in the State.

“During his lecture, CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel, appreciated the supervising officers of the Command for their efforts in crime fighting and further urged them to continue with community policing engagements with key stakeholders in their areas of responsibilities.

“The Commissioner of Police also lectured the supervising Police Officers of the Command to take them further on the force’s professionalism, discipline, and to use their skills to project the community policing.

“He reiterated that any officer who cannot inspire public confidence or gain their trust does not qualify for any sensitive office. He finally charged them to redouble their efforts as the reward of good work is more work. The CP further directed the officers to ensure they work closely with the members of the Special Constabulary posted back to their communities,” the statement however reads.