…Kano govt rejects warning

The Kano police command has alerted residents to intelligence reports of a suspected plan by terrorists to target public gatherings in strategic locations across the state.

A statement by Abdullahi Kiyawa, police spokesperson in the state, asked residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas until further notice to enable security agencies identify and neutralise potential threats.
“The Kano State Police Command in liaison with other security agencies has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State,” the statement reads.“

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 operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers.”

Kiyawa said the command has deployed experts from the explosive ordinance disposal and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear units to strategic areas of the state.

“The teams were on high alert and can be contacted through 08169884988 or 07067157218 for reports of suspicious persons or items,” the statement added.
“We encourage residents to report any emergency or suspicious activity to the nearest Police Station or contact the Kano State Police Command through the following emergency numbers: 08032419754, 08123821575, 09029292926.”
Kiyawa noted that public safety relies on citizens’ vigilance and cooperation, while commending residents of the state for their support and cooperation always.

Kano State Government Rejects Warning

Meanwhile, Kano state government described the security alert issued by the police as unfounded and unwanted.
The State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, disclosed this during a press conference.

Waiya said, “It has come to our attention with great concern that, security agencies have blocked the venue designated for this highly significant religious event.

“This action is not only unnecessary but also unjustified, as there has been no report of any security threat in Kano State, that would warrant such an extreme measure.,
“The Kano State Government has not issued any complaints regarding insecurity, and we find the presence of security operatives at the venue of this significant religious activity unwarranted and unacceptable.”

He added: “I wish to categorically state that the National Tijjaniyya Maulud will hold as scheduled that is tomorrow, Saturday 25th Jan. 2025 from 8:00 and at Kofar Mata Stadium, as earlier planned.”

“This religious activity which has been on for the last 39 years, shall not be allowed to be obstructed, as the organization that organizes the annual event, is a body which is legitimately registered and recognised.” he said.

“Therefore any attempt to obstruct the process of organizing a lawful gathering like this, is not only an encroachment on the citizens right of lawful assembly, but also a fundamental breach of right to religious practice in Nigeria.”

“We urge the federal government to immediately withdraw its security agencies from the venue and allow the event to proceed without hindrance.”

Waiya maintained that the Kofar Mata Stadium is a property of the Kano State Government, saying that, there was no justification for any external force to obstruct a legitimate religious gathering.
The Kano State Police Command in liaison with other security agencies earlier yesterday announced that they received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within the State.