The Kano State Police Command, on Friday, issued a security alert regarding intelligence reports of potential terrorist attacks targeting public gatherings in the state.
However, the Kano State Government swiftly dismissed the alert, labeling it as a false alarm aimed at disrupting the annual National Tijjaniyya Maulud.
The event, organized under the guidance of the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has been a long-standing tradition in the state.
In its statement, the police, through the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, urged residents to exercise caution, citing intelligence reports indicating possible attacks on strategic 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. “Necessary security arrangements have been put in place,” he added.
In response, Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Com. Ibrahim Abdu Waiya, addressed journalists at the Emir’s Palace, condemning the police actions as unwarranted and unjustified.
“There has been no security threat in Kano State to justify this extreme action,” Waiya said.
He highlighted the significance of the National Tijjaniyya Maulud, which has been held peacefully for 39 consecutive years.
Waiya described the police alert as an infringement on the fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and religious expression.
“This religious activity is organized by a legitimate body recognized by law. This attempt to prevent a lawful and peaceful religious gathering is unacceptable,” Waiya asserted.
Calling on the Federal Government to intervene, Waiya urged the police to vacate the event 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 noted.
