Kwankwaso tackles police, says Kano terror alert false

Rabiu Kwankwaso, former governor of Kano state, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) for its recent terror alert in Kano state.

On Friday, the Kano police command alerted residents to intelligence reports of a suspected plan by terrorists to target public gatherings in strategic locations across the state.

The police asked residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas until further notice to enable security agencies identify and neutralise potential threats.

The announcement came a day before the annual maulud of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano.

In a statement on Monday, Kwankwaso congratulated the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order on the successful completion of the maulud.

He also felicitated with Muhammadu Sanusi II, the emir of Kano, and Abba Yusuf, governor of the state, for successfully organising the event.

He, however, expressed concern about the ‘terror alert’ from the police on the eve of the event.

He said the alert not only jeopardised the success of the gathering but put the lives of residents and visitors at risk.

“Such conduct by the police, which has already been marked as a willing partner for the Federal Government in its habitual dabbling into the affairs of Kano State further puts its integrity in doubt,” the statement reads.

“Issuing a threat alert of this magnitude, which later turns out to be false sets a dangerous precedent. I am afraid that it will lead to people to be complacent in the event of a genuine threat in the future.

“Due to the international nature of the event, the conduct of the police leadership in Kano also leaves a bad impression of the Nigeria Police Force globally.”

Kwankwaso urged the police command in Kano to be professional and to avoid being tarred with partisan brushes.

“For the umpteenth time, I also urge the Federal Government to avoid dragging itself into unpleasant situations by further putting its hands in affairs that are strictly under the jurisdiction of the good people of Kano State and its Government,” he added.