The police command in Kaduna State has restricted heavy-duty vehicles in Kaduna metropolis from midnight to 8 p.m. on Saturday ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu is expected in Kaduna with other top government officials for the inaugural launching of the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Muhammad Rabiu, who announced the restriction during a security briefing, on Thursday in Kaduna said it was aimed at reducing traffic congestion and ensuring smooth movement during the presidential visit.
Rabiu said the decision followed consultations between the state security committee and transport unions.
“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 a restriction of movement from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday,” he said.
He clarified that the restriction applied only to trailers, tankers, lorries and other heavy-duty vehicles, adding that other road users would not be affected.
The commissioner said the command, in collaboration with the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, had put comprehensive security arrangements in place ahead of the visit.
He said the measures were designed to protect the president, dignitaries, political supporters and members of the public before, during and after the events.
According to him, the deployment would include conventional police personnel, tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal units, traffic management officers and crowd-control teams at the campaign venue and other strategic locations.
Rabiu advised persons without legitimate business at the campaign venue to stay away from the site, its immediate surroundings and designated security zones to prevent congestion and facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.
He also announced alternative routes for heavy-duty vehicles to ease traffic flow during the restriction.
He advised vehicles travelling from Zaria towards Kaduna to divert through Maraban Jos and Saminaka 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.
Similarly, heavy-duty 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, saying that offenders would be dealt with in accordance with the law.
The commissioner urged residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information about suspicious activities, planned violence and individuals carrying weapons.
He further 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 and successful presidential visit.
“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. (NAN)
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