Kano State Police Command has announced the apprehension of 54 individuals suspected of plotting to disrupt the ongoing Sallah festivities across various parts of the state. Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usaini Gumel, revealed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday.
“We have detained 54 suspects found in possession of an assortment of dangerous weapons, with intentions to disrupt the ongoing Sallah celebrations in different areas of the state. Seized exhibits include cannabis, motorcycles, and various deadly weapons,” stated Mr. Gumel.
He further explained that intelligence reports indicated that certain youths were congregating, purportedly as admirers of top political figures in the state, with plans to disrupt the Durbar event organized by the Kano Emirate, clad in political regalia. Such actions, warned Mr. Gumel, could provoke counter-reactions, potentially resulting in a breakdown of law and order.
“The Sallah Durbar is a cultural celebration, not a political gathering. Any display of political symbols, such as T-shirts, caps, billboards, or posters, is deemed misinterpretation and will not be tolerated, as it could lead to chaos,” he emphasized.
Mr. Gumel urged politicians to counsel their supporters to view Sallah as a time for unity and tradition. The suspects, intent on causing disturbances on the first day of Sallah, have been apprehended across the five Emirates in Kano State.
“Criminals have no place here, and the police caution those willing to heed. Raids on identified criminal hideouts have been intensified,” he warned.
