The newly-appointed Kano State Police Commissioner, Salman Garba, has denied family ties with the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Dr Aminu Ado Bayero, saying that he was in Kano to serve.

The new police helmsman, therefore, pledged to empower officers and men of the command to tackle the resurgence of thuggery and other criminal activities in some parts of the metropolis.

Governor Abba Yusuf had raised the alarm over the resurgence of thugs in the state, especially at the palace of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi.

The state had been embroiled in a chieftaincy crisis following the sack of Bayero and the reinstatement of Sanusi as the emir by the governor

The former commissioner of police, Usaini Gumel, was accused by the government of not obeying the orders and taking sides with Bayero.

Gumel, who discountenanced the accusation, said he was in Kano to uphold the rule of law and court order.

Following Gumel’s deployment after his promotion as Assistant Inspector General of Police, Garba was deployed in the state as the new police helmsman.

In his maiden press briefing, held at the command headquarters in Bompai, Kano, on Wednesday, Garba said, “I am first and foremost a Nigerian, and I am here to serve Nigerians. The news of me belonging to the same family as Bayero is new; this is the first time I’ve heard it. For me, I will do my best for Kano.”

He acknowledged the challenges facing the state, as he called for a collective responsibility in addressing security concerns.

“I assumed duty at a time when all focus is on the state, following the raging emirship tussle and confronted with a spate of security challenges, including the resurgence of thuggery (Daba) activities in some parts of Kano metropolis.

“We have already developed an action plan that revolved around collaborative policing after carefully studying the trend of the crime pattern.

“The security of life and property is our primary concern, and we will work according to the provisions of the law,” he said.

The new CP pledged to work with the government and citizens to build trust and ensure a safer Kano State.

He commended his predecessor for his achievements and promised to build on his legacy.

PUNCH