Against the backdrop of public disturbance occasioned by the current Naira scarcity in parts of the country, the Kaduna State government, on Sunday, disclosed that it has placed security agencies on high alert as operatives have been directed by the government to decisively uphold law and order.
The State Government said it has received credible intelligence reports of plans by various groups to deliberately disrupt public peace, by organizing street protests in the State.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, he said the State Government has continued to empathise with citizens who have been placed in untold distress as a result of the CBN Naira swap policy.
The statement said residents must shun the baitings of mischievous groups hoping to ride on these hardships and incite violence.
Aruwan urged citizens to maintain calm, and to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they prepare to exercise their civic franchise in an atmosphere free of all forms of threat.
The statement reads: “The Kaduna State Government hereby reminds citizens that such protests remain strictly prohibited. Citizens are strongly advised to avoid all actions remotely capable of inciting a breakdown of law and order.
“The Government of Kaduna State, and other concerned state governments, are deploying the full instrumentality of the law to attain a proper resolution, and thus bring relief to citizens.
“Government is also studying options for addressing challenges being faced by citizens with regard to transport to their places of work.”
Aruwan added: “Any resort to unruly or violent conduct is illegal and against the public interest which values law and order.
“Security agencies have been placed on high alert and have been directed by the government to decisively uphold law and order.”