No place for criminals under guise of protesters – Kaduna govt

Kaduna State Government has raised a red flag against illegal processions and gatherings in the state, saying that criminals disguised themselves as protesters will not get a chance to unleash terror and loot properties.

The warning came as the Kaduna State Government reviewed the state of its security on Saturday.

According to the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, “unverified processions are not permitted for reasons of public safety and security”.

He said: “the Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has reviewed the present security situation arising from the existing 6pm to 8am curfew, and other issues pertaining to public safety.”

“Based on this review, the Security Council hereby announces that criminal elements disguising as protesters, with the intent to generate unrest in the state, will not be spared.”

Aruwan pointed out that “the Kaduna State Security Council recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.”

He explained that, “Nevertheless, the security forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalize public and private properties, and unleash terror on innocent citizens, as experienced on the 1st and 5th August 2024.”

He insisted that “processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted.”

“The ugly events of 1st and 5th August 2024 are clear indicators that criminals are pursuing an agenda to plunge the state into chaos, and are ready to camouflage these designs with otherwise genuine protests.”

He disclosed that “available intelligence from the reviewed period also shows the grim focus of these forces in herding children and impressionable individuals into their dark schemes.”

“The consequences of these plans, if allowed to flourish, are better imagined. The Kaduna State Government and security forces will not stand by and allow an anti-state agenda to run unchecked. It bears reiterating that criminals masquerading as protesters will not be permitted to wreak havoc.”

The Commissioner urged citizens “to continue to observe the 6pm to 8am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on 0903 400 0060 and 0817 018 9999.”