The Kano State Police Command has reversed its earlier stance on the National Tijjaniyya Maulud event scheduled to be held this Saturday at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano, following strong opposition from the State Government.
The Police Command had earlier raised an alarm about receiving intelligence reports suggesting potential terrorist attacks targeting public gatherings across the state. As a precaution, security personnel were deployed to the stadium, the venue of the annual religious event on Friday.
However, the Kano State government strongly condemned the Police move, accusing the police of attempting to disrupt the event, which has been held annually for 39 years.
The State’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, described the deployment of security operatives as “unfair and unnecessary.” He insisted there were no credible threats to justify the action and called on the Federal Government to intervene.
However, in a post on his Facebook page on Saturday morning, the Police Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, reassured the public that the deployment was to maintain order and security during the event.
The PPRO wrote: “Security personnel are present to ensure the ‘Maulud’ is conducted peacefully and concluded safely. Therefore, please remain vigilant against troublemakers. May Allah (SWT) deal with anyone planning to cause harm. Kindly support us with your prayers”.
He also issued a warning about criminal elements allegedly planning to exploit the gathering. “Some individuals are planning to set up phone charging stations near the Maulid venue. Their intention is to steal people’s phones. Therefore, be vigilant and cautious,” Kiyawa added.
Despite initial concerns, the National Tijjaniyya Maulud was proceeding as planned on Saturday, with a large turnout of participants and a visible but restrained police presence to ensure safety.
