Kaduna State Security Council headed by Governor Uba Sani has said the government had reviewed the security situation arising from the existing 6pm to 8am curfew, and other issues pertaining to public safety.
The government said based on the review, criminal elements disguising as protesters with the intent to generate unrest in the state would not be spared.
In a statement, the overseeing commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said although the security council recognised the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended, security forces cannot permit a situation where criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalise public and private properties, and unleash terror on innocent citizens as experienced on August 1 and 5.
“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”
“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. Citizens are enjoined to continue to observe the 6pm to 8am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on: 0903 400 0060
0817 018 9999,” the statement said.
