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Gwandu, also called Gando, is a local government area in Kebbi State, with its headquarters at Gwandu town. Established by the founder of the Kebbi Kingdom, Muhammadu Kanta, the settlement was used as royal farmland ( gandu) by the kingdom's rulers for centuries. Following the founding of the Sokoto Caliphate in the 19th century and the decline of Kebbi, Gwandu Emirate became a co-capital of the Caliphate, from which its Emirs oversaw the western and southern territories. The capital of the Gwandu Emirate was later changed to Birnin Kebbi in 1906.
After the Kebbi expedition during the Sokoto jihad, Gwandu emerged as a significant and permanent base for Usman dan Fodio and his followers. Recognizing the strategic importance of the town, Muhammed Bello ordered the construction of a protective wall around the town in 1806. This defensive wall aimed to fortify the city and enhance its security against potential external threats. Although Usman eventually departed from Gwandu, the town retained its significance within the context of the jihad. It became the capital of the newly established Gwandu emirate under the leadership of Abdullahi dan Fodio. The geographical location of Gwandu, nestled in a valley with surrounding ridges, provided natural advantages for defense against external attacks. The town's topography further contributed to its status as a stronghold.
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