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The Kaduna state Police command has announced restrictions on the movement of trailers, tankers, lorries and other heavy-duty vehicles across the Kaduna metropolis from midnight on Thursday to 8pm on Saturday ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, announced the restriction during a security briefing, saying it was intended to reduce congestion and ensure the free movement of vehicles during the presidential visit.
“After due consultation and consideration between the security committee and members of all transport unions in the state, it is hereby agreed that there is going to be restriction of movement from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday,” Rabiu said.
He clarified that the restriction would apply only to heavy-duty vehicles, not other commuters.
“This restriction only applies to all trailers, tankers, lorries, articulated and other heavy-duty vehicles only, not other commuters. This is done because we want to decongest and make free movement of vehicles in the metropolis,” he said.
Rabiu said the command, working with the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, had activated comprehensive security arrangements to protect the President, dignitaries, campaign participants and members of the public.
“The Kaduna State Police Command and other security agencies, stakeholders, the security team from Abuja and all other security apparatus in the state have activated a robust, intelligence-led policing architecture to protect the President, dignitaries, campaign participants and members of the general public before, during and after the events,” he said.
He said the deployment would include conventional police personnel, tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal personnel, traffic management units and crowd-control teams across the campaign venue and other strategic locations.
The commissioner also advised people without legitimate business at the venue to stay away from the site and its immediate surroundings.
“Any person who has no legitimate business with the campaign event should stay away from the venue, its immediate surroundings and designated security zones,” he said, explaining that the measure would help prevent congestion, facilitate the presidential convoy’s movement and improve crowd management.
On traffic diversions, Rabiu advised heavy-duty vehicles travelling from Zaria towards Kaduna to divert through the Maraban Jos–Saminaka route towards Gadan Gayan, then use the Kujama Road link to Mararaba Rido and the Eastern Bypass before reconnecting with the Abuja–Kaduna Highway through Kakau Bridge.
Vehicles travelling from Abuja towards Kaduna and Zaria were advised to use the Eastern Bypass from Kakau Bridge, proceed through Mararaba Rido and Gadan Gayan, and connect to the Maraban Jos route towards Zaria.
Rabiu urged political party leaders, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully, warning that the command would not tolerate political thuggery, violence, intimidation, incitement or the possession and brandishing of dangerous weapons.
“Let me issue a firm and unequivocal warning that the Kaduna State Police Command will not tolerate political thuggery, violence, intimidation, incitement and possession and brandishing of dangerous weapons,” he said.
He also warned against the destruction of campaign posters, particularly those of President Tinubu.
“Anybody found destroying any poster, especially that of Mr President, will be properly dealt with according to the law,” Rabiu said.
The commissioner called on residents to provide security agencies with credible information about suspicious activities, planned violence and individuals carrying weapons.
“Security is a collective responsibility. Residents are encouraged to provide credible and timely information about suspicious activities, planned violence or individuals carrying weapons to the appropriate security authorities,” he said.
He also cautioned social media users and bloggers against publishing content intended to abuse or harm others, warning that offenders could face legal consequences under applicable cybercrime laws.
Rabiu appealed to the media and members of the public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful event.
“I appeal to the members of the public that let us make this event a success. We should eschew violence and try to use all means to ensure that this event is successful,” he said.
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