Police Issue Terrorist Warning In Kano, State Govt Condemns Move

The state police command in Kano is concerned about possible terrorist attacks on public spaces, according to intelligence reports.

The Nigerian Police have, however, been accused of igniting a false alarm to disrupt the annual National Tijjaniya Maulud, which is being led by Muhammadu Sanusi II, the Emir of Kano.

In a press release issued on Friday, the Command urged residents to exercise caution, avoid crowded areas, and promptly report suspicious activities.

The intelligence report indicated that suspected terrorists might target strategic locations, according to the statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa.

As a preventative measure to help security operatives identify and dislodge potential attackers, Kiyawa urged residents to exercise caution and stay away from crowded locations and environments until further notice.

The Command confirmed to the public that it had prevented any attacks by being proactive. “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”.

Comrade Ibrahim Abdu Waiya, the commissioner for information and internal affairs, addressed journalists at a press briefing held at the Emir’s Palace in Kano, criticizing the security agencies’ actions and calling them unnecessary and wrong.

He expressed disappointment over the police’s decision to block the venue, pointing out that Kano State has no history of insecurities that would just justify such measures.

Waiya claimed that “this extreme action has not been justified by any security threat” in Kano State. “The National Tijjaniya Maulud has been in place without incident for 39 straight years. This attempt to obstruct a legitimate and peaceful religious gathering is inadmissible and a violation of one’s fundamental right to assembly and worship.

The police, according to the commissioner, obstructing access to Kofar Mata Stadium, a property owned by the Kano State Government, out of their bounds. He demanded that the FBI immediately appoint a security guard to allow the event to proceed without a delay.

Waiya claimed that “this religious activity is organized by a legitimate body established by law.” We demand that the police leave the location, according to the Federal Government. We will not allow any external forces to obstruct this harmony because Kano has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance.

He further assured the Maulud’s participants and visitors both from Nigeria and abroad that it would continue as planned and that they should remain calm and upholding the law.

Source: Channels TV