Kaduna prohibits unauthorised protest over ‘hijack by criminals’

The Kaduna state government says only protests authorised by the security agents will be permitted to hold.

The state government had imposed a 6pm to 8am curfew following incidents of looting and violence during the demonstrations on Monday.

In a statement on Saturday, Samuel Aruwan, overseeing commissioner, ministry of internal security and home affairs, said the decision was sequel to a review of the security situation following the curfew.

He said the security council recognised the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly and other constitutional rights.

“Nevertheless, the security forces cannot permit a situation wherein criminals masquerade as protesters to loot and vandalise public and private properties, and unleash terror on innocent citizens, as experienced on the 1st and 5th August 2024,” the statement reads.

“Processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted.”

Aruwan said the “ugly events” were clear indicators that “criminals were pursuing an agenda” to plunge the state into chaos, and ready to “camouflage” their plans with 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,” he added.

“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.

“Kaduna citizens are then enjoined to continue to observe the 6pm to 8am curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on 0903 400 0060, 0817 018 9999.”