2.3.3. Kano

2.3.3. Kano

Kano state is comprised of the following 44 LGAs: Ajingi, Albasu, Bagwai, Bebeji, Bichi, Bunkure, Dala, Dambatta, Dawakin Kudu, Dawakin Tofa, Doguwa, Gabasawa, Garko, Garun Malam, Gaya, Gezawa, Gwale, Gwarzo, Kabo, Karaye, Kibiya, Kiru, Kumbotso, Kura, Madobi, Makoda, Minjibir, Kano Municipal, Nassarawa, Rimini Gado, Rogo, Shanono, Sumaila, Takai, Tarauni, Tsanyawa, Tudun Wada, Tofa, Warawa, Wudil,1017 Rano, Fagge, Ungoggo,1018 and Ghari (formerly Kunchi).1019 The capital city is Kano.1020

The majority of the population in Kano are Sunni Muslims, with a minority of Shia Muslims. Smaller communities of the population include Christians and other religious groups.1021 The main ethnic groups are the Hausa and the Fulani people.1022

UNFPA and the US Census Bureau projected the state’s population at 15 462 177 in 2022, based on figures from the 2006 census.1023

a) Conflict dynamics and main actors

For a general overview on actors in Nigeria, please see section 1.1 Main Actors.

JAS-Boko Haram faction1024 has a long-standing presence in Kano state, employing tactics similar to those of bandits, including coercion.1025 The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) noted that attacks likely associated with ‘terrorist groups’ such as Boko Haram had occurred in several Nigerian states since 2021, including Kano.1026

In May 2025, a violent demonstration in Kano state resulted in the death of a Division Police Officer,1027 highlighting the ongoing issue of mob violence.1028

Protests in Kano state in August1029 and in October 20241030 were reportedly suppressed by authorities, leading to the arrests1031 and killing of protesters,1032 as well as the vandalisation of properties, arson and looting.1033

During the reference period, there were reports of abductions in Kano state.1034

In June 2025, two explosions in Kano state resulted in civilian injuries and fatalities,1035 raising concerns about the circulation of unexploded ordnances in scrap markets.1036

In December 2024, Kano residents expressed concern over a resurgence of violent clashes between bandit groups following clashes after a football match, killing at least two people.1037 An April 2025 Nigerian Tribune article reported a recent rise of ‘innocent’ killings by rival gang groups in Kano.1038

b) Security incidents and impact on the population

For the period between 1 January 2024 and 31 August 2025, ACLED recorded 43 security incidents (defined as battles, explosions/remote violence, violence against civilians, and riots) in Kano state, which resulted in 32 fatalities. Of these incidents, 24 were coded as incidents of riots, 16 were coded as violence against civilians, and 3 as battles.1039

Security incidents were recorded by ACLED in 17 LGAs of the state, with the highest number documented in Kano Municipal (11), followed by Gwale and Ungogo (4 incidents each), as well as Rano and Kumbotso (3 incidents each) LGAs, and Ungogo (3 incidents). No incidents were recorded in 27 LGAs. According to ACLED, unidentified armed groups (coded as either ‘Actor 1’ or ‘Actor 2’) were involved in the majority of incidents coded as violence against civilians.1041

According to Nigeria Watch, Kano state was the fourth most peaceful in 2024,1042 with 1.37 fatalities per 100 000 inhabitants. Regarding deaths resulting from farmer-herder clashes in 2024, Kano was among the three least-affected states.1043 ACLED reported a similar trend, with Kano State ranking fourth from last overall among the states with the lowest number of security incidents (defined as battles, explosions/remote violence, violence against civilians, and riots) during the reference period.1044

In February 2025, residents of Sheka in Kumbotso LGA reportedly captured a gang member and beat him to death, which sparked further clashes in Sheka.1045

Conflict-related infrastructure damage - No information could be found during the reference period.

Road security - Nine Unexploded Ordnance (UXOs) were recovered in June 2025 from the scene of an explosion that occurred at a steel company located in the Mariri area.1046

Displacement, movement and return - As of February 2025, IOM estimated the number of IDPs in Kano state at 12 5551047 as opposed to 12 532 as of November 2024. IOM lists insurgency (77 %), disasters (12 %), communal clashes (8 %), and armed banditry/kidnapping (3 %) as the main reasons for displacement in the state.1048

No information could be found on returns in Kano state during the reference period.

c) State response in maintaining law and order

During the reference period, state police conducted security operations and raids in Kano state, tackling armed robbery, thuggery,1049 abductions,1050 and criminal activities.1051