The Kaduna State Security Council has issued a stern warning against unverified processions, stating that criminals posing as protesters will not be allowed to create chaos or loot properties in the state.
Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, announced the ban, emphasizing that public safety is the primary concern. The decision comes after a review of the current security situation, including the ongoing 6 pm to 8 am curfew and recent events that saw criminals using protests as a cover for violent activities on August 1st and 5th, 2024.
While the government acknowledges citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and lawful assembly, it stressed that these rights cannot be used to justify criminal acts. The Security Council made it clear that any procession not verified and cleared by security agencies would remain prohibited to prevent further unrest.
The statement highlighted the involvement of criminal elements in inciting unrest by exploiting legitimate protests, particularly by manipulating children and vulnerable individuals. The government vowed to take decisive action against any attempts to destabilize the state under the guise of protests.
