The Kano State Police Command has heightened the readiness of its security personnel in anticipation of the planned protest by members of organized labor unions in the state scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hussaini Gumel, stated that proactive security measures have been implemented to guarantee peaceful and orderly demonstrations throughout the state.
On February 16, the NLC announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, in response to the economic challenges confronting the nation.
Subsequent to this announcement, the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, reminded the labor congress, through a letter addressed to their counsel, Femi Falana, dated February 23, 2024, of an existing order restraining the union from engaging in any industrial action.
In spite of this reminder, the union proceeded with the protest.
Gumel emphasized that the deployment of security personnel was in acknowledgment of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in existing laws, which is regarded as a fundamental right of citizens.
He elaborated that operational instructions had been issued to area commanders, tactical commanders, and divisional police officers across the 44 local government areas of the state.
Furthermore, Gumel noted that the command was collaborating with other security agencies in the state to ensure the smooth and peaceful movement of individuals participating in the protest.
“We have mobilised sufficient armed personnel to provide security at all flashpoints, including political party offices, banks, commercial areas, recreation centres and motor parks before, during and after the protest.
“I am giving 100 percent assurance to all law-abiding residents of the state to go about freely with their legitimate daily activities without threat to lives and property,” the commissioner said.
He added that armed security personnel would be in all identified strategic locations in different parts of the state, to ensure surveillance duties and provide physical security during the protest.
He also expressed optimism that security measures already put in place would promote peaceful coexistence amongst the residents during and after the protest.
He said that the command would not tolerate any form of violence during and after the protest as officers were on red alert to confront any form of security threats in and outside the metropolis.
“We call upon those that want to protest to go about it in a civilised manner as our professional security personnel would carefully monitor the entire exercise.”