The Kaduna State Security Council has issued a stern warning to criminal elements who recently hijacked the #endbadgovernance protest in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the overseeing commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the council will not spare any criminals masquerading as protesters.
While announcing the review of the curfew imposed by the state government, Mr Aruwan reaffirmed the prohibition of unverified processions across the state.
He said the intelligence report at the disposal of the government revealed that criminals were using genuine protests as a cover to unleash terror and loot properties, with the aim of plunging the state into chaos and anarchy.
The statement read, “The Kaduna State Security Council, under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, has reviewed the present security situation arising from the existing 6 pm to 8 am curfew, and other issues pertaining to public safety.
“Based on this review, the Security Council hereby announces that criminal elements disguising as protesters, with the intent to generate unrest in the state, will not be spared.
“The Kaduna State Security Council recognises the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression, lawful assembly, and other constitutional rights enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.
“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 of August 2024.
“Processions not verified and cleared by security agencies therefore remain prohibited in light of the public security considerations highlighted.”
It added, “The ugly events of 1st and 5th August 2024 are clear indicators that criminals are pursuing an agenda to plunge the state into chaos, and are ready to camouflage these designs with otherwise 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.
“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.
“Finally, citizens are enjoined to continue to observe the 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. curfew and report any incendiary activity to the Security Operations Room on 09034000060; 08170189999.”
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