Rabiu Kwankwaso, the former governor of Kano State, has criticised the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) following its recent terror alert issued for the region.
The Kano police command had warned residents on Friday about intelligence reports indicating a suspected plan by terrorists to target public gatherings in strategic locations throughout the state.
The police advised the community to exercise caution and avoid crowded areas to allow security agencies to identify and mitigate potential threats.
This alert was announced just a day before the annual maulud celebration of Sheikh Ibrahim Inyass, scheduled to take place at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
In a statement issued on Monday, Kwankwaso congratulated the Tijjaniyya Sufi Order for the successful execution of the maulud and extended his congratulations to Muhammadu Sanusi II, the emir of Kano, and Abba Yusuf, the state governor, for their efforts in organizing the event.
However, Kwankwaso raised concerns about the timing of the police’s terror alert, stating that it not only jeopardised the success of the gathering but also posed risks to the lives of residents and visitors.
“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 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 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.
