Kaduna State’s Security Council has issued a stern warning against criminal elements disguising themselves as protesters, following a comprehensive review of the state’s current security situation.
The council emphasized that such individuals would face severe consequences, as authorities seek to maintain law and order across the state.
According to The PUNCH, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed that unverified public processions are now prohibited due to rising concerns over public safety.
The decision comes in the wake of intelligence reports suggesting that criminals have been infiltrating legitimate protests, using them as a cover to perpetrate violence, loot properties, and create widespread unrest.
While the council acknowledged the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, it also stressed the necessity of preventing criminal activities under the guise of these rights.
The statement read, “The Kaduna State Security Council, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has reviewed the present security situation arising from the existing 6 pm to 8 am curfew, and other issues pertaining to public safety.
“Based on this review, the Security Council hereby announces that criminal elements disguising as protesters, with the intent to generate unrest in the state, will not be spared.
“The Kaduna State Security Council recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“Nevertheless, the security forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalize public and private properties and unleash terror on innocent citizens, as experienced on the 1st and 5th of August 2024.
“Processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted.”
It added, “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.
“Finally, citizens are enjoined to continue to observe the 6 pm to 8 am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on 09034000060; 08170189999.”
The ongoing 6 pm to 8 am curfew remains in effect, and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious behavior to the Security Operations Room.
The Security Council’s actions come after incidents on August 1 and 5, 2024, which saw criminal elements exploiting protests to unleash terror on the public.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to safeguarding lives and properties and have vowed to take decisive measures against anyone involved in criminal acts.
In response to recent developments, the state government had previously imposed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria metropolitan areas.
However, this has since been revised to a 6 pm to 8 am curfew, allowing citizens to carry out their daily activities during the day.
