The Kano State Police Command has issued a warning based on intelligence suggesting potential terrorist attacks targeting public gatherings in the state.
However, the Kano State Government has criticized the Nigerian Police, accusing them of raising a false alarm to disrupt the annual National Tijjaniyya Maulud, which is organized by the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
In a statement released on Friday, the Police Command advised residents to remain vigilant, avoid crowded areas, and report any suspicious activities immediately.
Read Also: How We Rescued Ex-AIG’s Wife, Killed Abductors – Police
The statement, signed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, indicated that intelligence reports had identified potential terrorist threats to key locations.
“We hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers,” Kiyawa stated.
The Command assured the public that it has taken proactive steps to forestall any attacks. “Necessary security arrangements have been put in place,” Kiyawa added.
“A team of experts from the Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and is on high alert.”
Speaking to journalists at a press briefing at the Emir’s Palace in Kano, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdu Waiya, condemned the actions of the security agencies, calling them both unnecessary and unjustified.
He expressed his disappointment over the police’s blockade of the venue, stressing that Kano State has no history of insecurity that would justify such actions.
“There has been no security threat in Kano State to justify this extreme action,” Waiya stated. “The National Tijjaniyya Maulud has been held for 39 consecutive years without incident. This attempt to prevent a lawful and peaceful religious gathering is unacceptable and a breach of the fundamental right to freedom of assembly and religious practice.”
The commissioner accused the police of overstepping their bounds by obstructing access to Kofar Mata Stadium, a property owned by the Kano State Government.
He called on the Federal Government to immediately withdraw the security personnel and allow the event to proceed unhindered.
“This religious activity is organized by a legitimate body recognized by law,” Waiya said. “We urge the Federal Government to ensure that the police vacate the venue. Kano has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not allow any external force to disrupt this harmony.”
He also reassured participants and visitors, both from within Nigeria and abroad, that the Maulud would proceed as scheduled, urging everyone to stay calm and law-abiding.
The event is set to take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Kofar Mata Stadium.
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2Z
