The International Peace and Secure Society (IPSS) has cautioned against alleged attempts to create an unauthorized Hisbah-like security outfit in Kano State, describing the move as illegal, dangerous, and capable of triggering unrest.

The warning was contained in a statement signed and issued on Saturday by the Director General of the organisation, Comrade (Dr.) Yahaya Danjuma Yusuf, in response to reports suggesting that a parallel religious policing structure was being initiated by the immediate past governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

IPSS said it was alarmed by viral media statements indicating that dismissed Hisbah operatives from a previous administration were being considered for regrouping under a private or independent security arrangement.

SolaceBase reports that the warning from IPSS follows alleged comments by former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, suggesting the possible regrouping of dismissed Hisbah operatives under a private security arrangement, a move critics say could undermine the state’s legally recognised Hisbah Board and existing security structure.

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The organisation described the development as “a call for anarchy,” warning that no private citizen has the constitutional authority to establish any form of enforcement body in the state.

According to the civil society organisation, Kano is a historically peaceful but sensitive environment where harmony must be upheld with utmost responsibility, especially at a time when the country is grappling with widespread insecurity, kidnapping, banditry, extremism, and rising social tensions.

It added that creating a second Hisbah structure outside the control of the state government was both unlawful and dangerously shortsighted.

“The suggestion that dismissed personnel could be reorganized under a private Hisbah-styled group raises multiple red flags,” the statement said, emphasizing that Kano already has a legally recognised Hisbah Board.

The creation of a parallel version, it warned, would divide authority, confuse the public, and threaten the security structure that sustains peace in the state.

IPSS stressed that the Nigerian Constitution is explicit on security matters, which remain the exclusive responsibility of the Federal Government and are coordinated at the state level through the governor, who serves as the Chief Security Officer.

Allowing private actors to control or influence any form of policing, the group cautioned, would invite instability.

The organisation listed several dangers it believes could arise from establishing an unregulated or privately sponsored Hisbah group.

These include unauthorized armed mobilisation, divided loyalties, intimidation of residents, infiltration by criminal elements, clashes with the existing Hisbah Board, and the destabilisation of Kano’s fragile security structure.

“This is how societies slip into crisis—quietly at first, then suddenly,” the group warned. “Kano cannot afford experiments in security.”

IPSS said support for disengaged Hisbah personnel should come through legitimate avenues such as employment opportunities, vocational training, and community reintegration programmes, not through the formation of what it described as a “private force.”

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The group called on security agencies—including the police, DSS, NSCDC and others—to thoroughly investigate any individuals or bodies attempting to mobilise an illegal security outfit in the state.

It further urged these agencies to work closely with the Kano State Governor to ensure that no unconstitutional structure is allowed to take root.

IPSS also appealed to community leaders, political figures and the general public to avoid actions or rhetoric capable of heightening tension or undermining established security systems.

The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to peacebuilding, lawful security reforms and community stability across the country.

It said Kano must “choose stability over sentiment” and reject any attempt, direct or indirect, to establish a private Hisbah force.