The Southern Nigeria Youths Congress (SNYC) has condemned the emergence of a parallel enforcement outfit known as Hisbah Independent Fisabilillahi in Kano State, describing the group as illegal, unconstitutional, and a threat to public order and national security.
The position of the congress was made public on Friday during a press conference held at Voyage Hotels, Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos, where SNYC leaders called for urgent government intervention and a comprehensive security investigation into the activities and funding of the group.
Okay News reports that the briefing drew attention to growing concerns over the proliferation of unregulated enforcement bodies across parts of the country.
Speaking on behalf of the congress, SNYC leaders warned that the existence of a parallel Hisbah structure could deepen instability at a time Nigeria is already grappling with banditry, insurgency, and other forms of violent crime. They stressed that allowing such groups to operate unchecked could further weaken public confidence in constitutionally established institutions.
According to the congress, the emergence of the outfit poses several risks, including potential clashes with recognised security agencies, erosion of public trust in lawful authorities, and the circumvention of established procedures governing public safety and law enforcement.
“Security and enforcement remain the exclusive preserve of constitutionally recognised institutions,” the group said in a statement. “Any private or politically aligned group assuming such powers is a clear violation of the rule of law.”
The SNYC also expressed deep concern over reports suggesting that the new group may be funded by unnamed political interests. The congress argued that the speed with which the outfit was mobilised and organised, despite prevailing economic hardship, points to access to what it described as “substantial and suspicious financial resources.”
Raising a series of questions, the youth body said there was an urgent need for national scrutiny. It queried who is financing the parallel Hisbah group, the sources and channels of such funding, how the funds are managed or monitored, and whether the financing could heighten political tensions, encourage arms proliferation, or facilitate the formation of a private militia.
The congress warned that unregulated funding of private enforcement groups could result in abuse of power, intimidation, and what it described as “gross violations” of citizens’ rights, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Calling for decisive action, the SNYC urged the Kano State Government to immediately disband the illegal outfit and publicly reaffirm the authority of state-recognised and constitutionally backed security agencies.
It also appealed to national security institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS), to commence a full-scale investigation into the sponsors, leadership, operations, and financial backers of the group.
The congress further criticised political actors allegedly exploiting vulnerable youths for partisan purposes and cautioned young people in Kano against joining or accepting inducements from unlawful formations. “This development is particularly worrisome in a period marked by severe economic hardship, much of which was contributed to by some of the very individuals now seeking to mobilise youths for political ends,” the group stated.
In conclusion, the SNYC warned that allowing parallel enforcement structures to operate outside constitutional limits sets a dangerous precedent capable of undermining democratic governance and threatening public safety.
“This matter requires swift, transparent, and decisive action in the interest of peace, national security, and the rule of law across Kano State and Nigeria at large,” the congress emphasised.
