The Nigerian Army has dismissed as “false”, the claim by the Kano chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association, that soldiers were involved in enforcing a court order restraining that state government from deposing five Emirs.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed the allegation in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
According to him, contrary to insinuations by the Kano state chapter of NBA, troops of the Nigerian Army have not been involved in the Kano state emirate tussle and are not involved in enforcing any court order.
Nwachukwu said the military had only taken proactive steps to checkmate any possible breakdown or breach of the security that might be occasioned by the tussle.
He said the issue of paramount concern to the army and other security agencies was the prevention of breakdown of law and order in the state which, he added, the adversarial non-state actors could take advantage of.
“The military will imminently intervene when it becomes apparent that the intensity of the security situation becomes overwhelming for the police.
“All the Army is doing at this stage is to monitor the situation as it unfolds and be on standby in the event of any escalation that could threaten the security of the state and the region in general,” he said.
Police warn against violence over Kano Emirship tussle
The Police Command in Kano has alerted the public to possible plans by some groups to incite violence in the state over the lingering Emirship tussle.
Its Commissioner, Usaini Gumel, while briefing newsmen on Sunday in Kano, said that credible intelligence suggests that some individuals plan to stage protests which could potentially lead to violence.
He identified areas of concern to include Iyaka Road, Kofar Naisa, Kofar Nasarawa, Brigade, Airport Road, Janbulo and Sani Mainenge areas in the metropolis.
“The Police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have taken proactive measures to prevent the escalation of tensions and maintain law and order.
“Any attempt to hold processions or gatherings that may trigger violence will be met with swift action, and those responsible will face the full force of the law.
“Residents are advised to remain calm, avoid unlawful gatherings or processions, and report any suspicious activities or individuals to security agents for prompt response.
“Joint security teams have been deployed to strategic locations across the state to ensure peace and order.
“The Police have also embarked on aggressive patrols in and outside the metropolis to deal with any form of security threat.
“The joint security committee has adopted a comprehensive strategy to confront any form of threat in and outside the dissolved five Emirates.
“The security measures will prevent violence and maintain the safety and security of all residents in Kano State,” he said.
He debunked rumours claiming that protesters were already in Kano streets, saying that the falsehood was being circulated by miscreants with bad intentions.