The Kano State Government has marked over 50 properties, including Azman University, as part of an ongoing crackdown on illegal structures across the state.
The Director General of the Kano Geographic Information System (KANGIS), Dr. Dalhatu Aliyu Sani, who is also leading the enforcement committee, said the affected property owners have been asked to present their documents or face legal action.
Speaking during the exercise on Tuesday, he explained that the illegal structures include buildings without proper ownership documents or those constructed in restricted areas such as under high-tension power lines or on waterways.
“Some structures have no documents to prove ownership, while others are built in prohibited places like under the national grid or on drainage paths. All these are considered illegal,” he said.
He said the enforcement team visited several locations along Maiduguri Road, Rijiyar Gwangwan, Ladi Makole, Matar Fada road, and other parts of Kano, where many properties were sealed or marked.
“Today alone, we marked more than 50 properties. Our operation is called ‘Operation Show Your Document.’ If you come forward with genuine documents, we will allow you to continue. You will not pay any money,” he said.
Sani stressed that the government is not targeting anyone unfairly, but simply enforcing the law.
“If you do the right thing, you have nothing to worry about. But if you refuse to come forward, then the law will take its course. It is not business as usual,” he added.
At Azman University, the officials did not shut down the institution but placed markings on some structures and asked the management to present all relevant documents.
“We are here at the university. We did not close it, students are still learning, but we have asked the owners to come and present their documents,” he said.
He noted that the university premises include several other facilities such as a filling station and factories, which will also be assessed.
“It is a large property with many structures inside. When they come, they must provide documents for everything, including the filling station and other facilities,” he explained.
The KANGIS boss also emphasized that no one is above the law, regardless of status or political affiliation.
“No exemption in Kano. No matter who you are, you must follow the law. Everyone must go through due process,” he said.
He called on residents to cooperate with the committee, assuring that the exercise is in the best interest of the state.
“In the end, this will benefit all of us. We want a better, more organized Kano,” he added.
