Kano State Government has clarified that the peaceful atmosphere in the state is not under any impending security threat, urging residents to remain calm and embark on their lawful businesses without fear.
The government refuted the security signal issued by the police command directing residents to avoid a crowded environment and public gatherings due to impending security threats.
Spokesperson of Police Command, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, earlier on Friday, in a statement, raised an alarm of planned terrorist attacks in some strategic locations within the Kano metropolis.
While cautioning residents to avoid crowded environments until further notice, Kiyawa said the command has rolled out tanks to foil the purported terror plots.
According to him, the police have deployed necessary security arrangements, including a team of explosive ordinance disposal, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear units of the force to mount strategic positions to neutralize the threat.
“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operations to identify and dislodge possible attackers,” he said.
“The Unit can be contacted through 08169884988 or 07067157218 for report of suspicious persons or item(s). We encourage residents to report any emergency or suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or contact the Kano State Police Command through the emergency numbers.”
The Kano State Police Command declared its commitment to protecting lives and properties and maintaining law and order in the state while urging residents to remain vigilant.
In a counter-reaction, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Abdullahi Ibrahim Kiyawa, declared the security alert was an attempt to obstruct the annual religious activities held today at Sani Abacha stadium, Kano.
Waiya who briefed journalists Friday night emphasized that the state government has not issued any complaint regarding insecurity in Kano, and pointed to no report of any security threat that should warrant an extreme measure by the police.
“Kano has always been a beacon of peace and religious tolerance, and we will not accept any form of intimidation or undue interference in our internal affairs. We remain resolute in ensuring that the rights of our people to religious freedom and peaceful assembly are respected,” Waiya said.
The security alert came less than 24 hours after the annual National Tijjaniyya Maulud held at Sani Abacha stadium, Kano, under the spiritual leader of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.
Before the security signal, the police deployed a team of mobile officers and men to barricade the venue of the event, restricting organisers and members of the Tijjaniyya set access.
Waiye reminded the facility belongs to the state government and does not require permission to use the stadium, just as he insisted the annual Maolud will be held as scheduled.
“We call on all our guests from various States and all Mohammadawa to remain peaceful and steadfast in their commitment to observing this annual religious gathering,” Waiya said.
“We urge the Federal Government to immediately withdraw its security agencies from the venue and allow the event to proceed without hindrance.”
