In a groundbreaking move aimed at positively transforming the lives of former criminals, the Kano State Police Command has announced plans to organize a football match with repentant thugs. T

he state Commissioner of Police, Muhammed Usaini Gumel, made this revelation during a press conference in Kano on Thursday, where he also paraded 108 suspects arrested for various crimes during the recent Sallah celebration.

Gumel stressed the importance of adopting a different approach to ensure the successful rehabilitation and reintegration of former criminals.

“We will develop a different approach to make sure these thugs are changing their lives and becoming better people. We will even organize sports competitions with them. We will play a football match, and we will play an indoor match,” he stated.

The police commissioner underlined the Kano State Police Command’s unwavering commitment to tackling the increasing prevalence of thuggery activities within the Kano metropolis.

In a bid to address this issue, he disclosed the names of suspected thug kingpins who have been summoned to report to the nearest police station. Failure to comply would result in their classification as wanted criminals, leading to their subsequent arrest and facing the full force of the law.

Among the individuals listed are Burakita of Dorayi Karama Quarters, Messi of Kan Tudun Dala, Dan Boss of Dala Makabarta, Ado Runto of Tudun Fulani, Baffa Killer of Mazaunar Tanko Quarters, and Kamilu Duna of Adakawa Quarters, among others.

“Our eyes are now focusing on the emerging thuggery (daba) activities, especially within the Kano metropolis. Going forward, we have devised operational strategies with robust intelligence gathering on the early warning signs, and our assets are already in place to surmount all forms of underlying crimes and criminality around the state,” Gumel affirmed.

The announcement of the forthcoming football match between the police and repentant thugs has elicited mixed reactions from the public. While some individuals appreciate the effort to rehabilitate former criminals, others harbor concerns regarding the potential risks associated with engaging individuals with a criminal background.

In response to these concerns, the Kano State Police Command reassured the public of their commitment to the rehabilitation process and affirmed that necessary precautions would be taken to ensure the safety and security of all participants.

As preparations for the football match unfold, there is widespread hope that this unique initiative will contribute significantly to the transformation of repentant thugs, facilitating their successful reintegration into society as responsible citizens.