Kano Police Warn Against Unauthorised Durbar, Horse-Riding Activities

From Mustapha Adamu, Kano

The Kano State Police Command has reiterated that restrictions on Durbar and other public horse-riding activities remain in force, warning individuals and groups against violating security directives aimed at maintaining peace and public safety.

Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori gave the warning at a press conference in Kano on Friday amid renewed tension surrounding the state’s traditional institutions.

The development followed separate plans linked to Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Emir Aminu Ado Bayero to hold Durbar activities on the same day, prompting security authorities to restrict the planned events.

Bakori said the directive remains binding on all individuals and institutions, irrespective of their status or position.

He explained that anyone intending to organise a Durbar, horse-riding or other animal-riding activity in a public place must notify the Kano State Police Command in writing at least 72 hours before the event.

According to him, the advance notice is necessary to enable security agencies to conduct risk assessments and make appropriate arrangements to protect participants and the public.

“It would be recalled that the Kano State Government, after due consultations with relevant security stakeholders in the state and in its efforts to preserve public peace and order, recently pronounced a ban on all forms of Durbar and horse-riding activities throughout the state,” Bakori said.

He added that security agencies had received reports of apparent breaches of the directive and stressed that the circumstances that prompted the restrictions had not completely disappeared.

“The threats which necessitated the ban were put to serious checks and are still potent,” he said.

Bakori said law enforcement and security agencies had a responsibility to maintain public peace, safety and order and would not tolerate activities capable of undermining security.

He said a joint security meeting had resolved that any person, institution or organisation wishing to conduct Durbar or public horse-riding activities must submit written notification through the office of the Commissioner of Police at least 72 hours beforehand.

“All concerned are therefore urged to comply strictly with all lawful security directives and to cooperate with the security agencies,” he said.

The police commissioner assured residents that security agencies in Kano remained united and committed to enforcing the law while safeguarding lives, property and public order.