The Kano State command of the Nigeria Police Force has announced that law enforcement officials arrested a suspect and seized substantial items, including explosives, in response to a warning regarding a possible terrorist attack in the state.
During a press conference on Monday, the State Commissioner of Police, Salman Dogo Garba, detailed the measures implemented by the police to safeguard the community and avert any potential assaults.
He disclosed that several suspects had vacated the state in light of the alert, with one individual being located in Kano after having initially departed.
“Recently, there was a security alert about an impending terrorist attack in Kano, particularly during the Tijjaniyya Maulud celebration. We raised the alarm, informed the public, and set up the necessary machinery to address the situation.
“One suspect, who came from a church, was arrested after his host, who had the key to his house, was also apprehended. Additionally, we made significant recoveries, including explosives,” the Commissioner of Police stated.
The Police Chief emphasized the critical role of intelligence in preventing potential threats and elaborated on the collaboration between the police and various stakeholders to improve security during that time.
Upon receiving the notification regarding the Tijjaniyya programme, Garba said the command mobilized all personnel and communicated with all relevant stakeholders.
“At one specific location, we coordinated with our Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit to guarantee the safety of the area,” he stated.
Garba acknowledged the difficulties of functioning within a politically sensitive context but reassured the community of the police’s dedication to upholding public order.
“In Kano, we politicise everything – even the food we eat. But I want to assure everyone that my team and I are fully committed to securing this state. My roots are in Tijjaniyya, and my forefathers have always stood for peace and security,” he said, recounting efforts to track a high-profile suspect linked to a past attack that claimed several lives.
“We tracked him to the venue, but he moved. In the process, we arrested a soft target who provided us with critical information. This is part of our commitment to ensuring that no criminal outsmarts the system,” Garba said.
The Commissioner of Police reassured the community that the Kano State Police Command would persist in its diligent efforts to safeguard the peace and security of the state.
He urged the public to stay alert and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to realize this objective.
“Let me thank everyone who has supported our efforts. Together, we can ensure Kano remains safe for all,” Garba added.
