Thousands of Children Detained in Kano as Authorities Cite Security Concerns
Kano, Nigeria – Thousands of children in Kano, a major city in northern Nigeria, have been detained as part of an ongoing crackdown by the state’s religious police, Hisbah, who claim the children pose a security threat. The operation, which has sparked widespread debate, aims to rid the streets of Kano of homeless minors, many of whom rely on begging and odd jobs for survival.
Mass Detention Sparks Concern
The initiative, which began earlier this year, is part of a broader effort by the Kano State government to address what it describes as rising insecurity linked to street children, often referred to as Almajirai. These children, many of whom are enrolled in Islamic schools, frequently roam the streets in search of food and alms. The government argues that this situation not only exposes them to criminal activities but also contributes to societal unrest.
According to reports, thousands of children have already been rounded up and placed in detention centers or makeshift shelters. Authorities insist that the move is necessary to curb crime and enhance public safety. However, human rights activists and social welfare organizations have raised concerns about the well-being of these children, questioning the legality and ethical implications of their mass detention.
Government Justifies Crackdown
Kano State authorities defend the campaign, stating that it is in line with efforts to enforce existing laws prohibiting street begging and child destitution. Hisbah, the state’s Islamic moral police, has played a central role in enforcing these measures, conducting raids to remove children from public spaces.
A spokesperson for Hisbah emphasized that the operation is designed to “protect these children from exploitation and crime.” They added that the government is working on reintegration programs to reunite them with their families or place them in formal education systems.
“We are not targeting these children unfairly,” the spokesperson said. “The goal is to ensure their safety and provide them with a better future.”
Criticism from Rights Groups
Despite government assurances, critics argue that the policy lacks a comprehensive social welfare approach. Many of the affected children come from impoverished backgrounds, often sent by their families to study in traditional Islamic schools, where they rely on public goodwill for sustenance.
Human rights organizations have condemned the detentions, calling them an infringement on the children’s rights. Some activists warn that the move could worsen the situation, pushing children into even more precarious conditions.
“This policy criminalizes poverty instead of addressing its root causes,” said a local child rights advocate. “These children need education, healthcare, and social support, not detention.”
Implications for Kano’s Social Structure
The presence of Almajirai in northern Nigeria has been a long-standing issue, deeply rooted in economic disparities and cultural traditions. Efforts to reform the system have met with mixed results, as previous government attempts to ban street begging have often faced resistance from religious leaders and local communities.
The latest crackdown in Kano underscores the challenges of balancing security concerns with human rights and social welfare. While some residents support the initiative, citing concerns about crime and public order, others fear that without proper rehabilitation measures, the problem will persist.
Looking Ahead
As the campaign continues, the Nigerian government faces pressure to adopt a more holistic approach—one that combines enforcement with meaningful social interventions. Addressing the underlying factors driving child homelessness and street begging will require long-term investments in education, poverty alleviation, and family support programs.
For now, thousands of children remain in limbo, caught between government policies and an uncertain future on the streets of Kano.
Source : Swifteradio.com
