By Cheta Enyoghasi
Following a review of the state’s present security situation, the Kaduna State Security Council has issued stern warning that criminals masquerading as demonstrators will be targeted.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, stated that the Council had forbidden unconfirmed processions due to public safety and security issues in the state.
The move, according to the statement, comes after it was revealed that criminals were exploiting legitimate protests as a cover to unleash terror and pillage properties, with the goal of throwing the state into turmoil and anarchy.
The statement continued that the council upheld the fundamental rights of citizens to free speech and assembly, but it also stressed that law enforcement will not allow criminals to abuse these rights.
Following recent instances of violence and unrest, the council asked residents to observe the curfew, which is in effect from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., and to report any suspicious behavior to the Security Operations Room.
The council promised to take decisive action against anyone discovered committing violence or criminal activity throughout the state, as well as to reassure locals of its commitment to protecting lives and property.
“The Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, has reviewed the current security situation arising from the existing curfew of 6 pm to 8 am, and other issues pertaining to public safety.
“The Security Council declares, in light of this review, that criminal individuals masquerading themselves as protestors in order to incite instability inside the state will not be spared. The Kaduna State Security Council acknowledges that residents have the fundamental rights to free speech, the right to peaceful assembly, and other protections guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“Nonetheless, the security forces must not tolerate a situation in which criminals masquerade as protestors to pillage and vandalize public and private property while terrorizing innocent individuals, as occurred on August 1st and 5th, 2024.
“Processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted.
“The ugly events of August 1st and 5th, 2024 are clear indicators that criminals are following a plan to throw the state into disorder, and are willing to disguise their designs with otherwise real protests”.
