Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
Kano, Nigeria — Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Ibrahim Umaru (retired), who has been serving as the Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services in Kano State, has resigned from his position, confirmed in a resignation letter dated 26 January 2026 and addressed to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf through the Secretary to the State Government. The development comes amid a wave of political realignment following Governor Yusuf’s recent defection from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has prompted several senior government officials tied to the Kwankwasiyya Movement to step down from their roles.
Umaru, a retired air force officer with extensive experience in national security matters, had been appointed Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services by Governor Yusuf in May 2025. Prior to his elevation to the state executive council, he served as Director-General of the Special Services Directorate in the Kano State Government House, where he coordinated multi-agency security efforts to address rising insecurity in the region.
In his resignation letter, Umaru expressed deep gratitude to Governor Yusuf for the confidence reposed in him throughout his tenure. He acknowledged the honour and privilege of serving in a role central to safeguarding the lives and property of Kano residents. However, he said recent political developments — particularly the strained relationship between Governor Yusuf and his long-time mentor, Senator Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, national leader of the NNPP and the Kwankwasiyya Movement — influenced his decision to step aside. He stated that relinquishing his post was, in his view, in the best interest of the state and the administration, and that the decision was made after careful reflection. Umaru affirmed that his service was guided by the principles of justice, discipline and public service associated with the Kwankwasiyya Movement and pledged his continued support for governmental efforts to ensure security and stability in Kano.
The resignation of AVM Umaru forms part of a wider cabinet shake-up in Kano’s state government following Governor Yusuf’s political shift, which has led to multiple commissioners and senior officials resigning their appointments. Among those who have also stepped down are the Commissioner for Special Duties, Nasiru Sule Garo, and other senior appointees aligned with the former ruling party. These exits reflect broader political realignments ahead of future electoral cycles and underscore intra-party tensions triggered by the governor’s defection.
Security analysts note that the timing of Umaru’s resignation — at a moment when Kano State continues to confront complex security challenges including banditry, communal clashes and criminal gang activities — may prompt concerns about continuity and cohesion within the state’s security architecture. As Commissioner for Internal Security and Special Services, Umaru had been responsible for coordinating the activities of multiple security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and state security outfits, as well as liaising with community stakeholders to enhance public safety.
Governor Yusuf has not yet announced an immediate replacement for the position, and the Kano State Government has not issued an official response to the Commissioner’s resignation at the time of this report. However, political observers suggest that the incoming appointment will be closely scrutinised for its perceived alignment with the governor’s current political direction and its potential impact on state security management.
Umaru’s decision to resign underscores the interplay between political realignment and governance roles in Nigeria’s federal system, where shifts in party affiliation among state executives can influence not only political calculations but also administrative continuity and public confidence. As Kano State navigates these changes, stakeholders will be assessing how leadership transitions within the security sector affect broader efforts to address persistent security threats and maintain stability in one of Nigeria’s most populous and strategically important regions.
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