Police promise adequate security, quick response

The Kano State Police Command, late Thursday night, said its operatives are combat-ready to respond promptly to security challenges during the Saturday rerun election in the state.

The Kano police noted that it has put in place a more effective early warning and early response mechanism to ensure adequate security during the election.

On January 9, the Independent National Electoral Commission in Kano said it had completed necessary arrangements for the conduct of the by-election for Kunchi/Tsanyawa, Kura/Garin Malam and Rimin Gado/Tofa State Assembly bye-elections slated for February 3.

However, in a press statement on Thursday, the command’s acting spokesman, ASP Abdullahi Hussaini, disclosed that the police are ready to provide adequate security.

Hussaini spoke via a statement after CP Mohammed Usaini Gumel met with heads of security agencies.

The statement said, “We recognised the indispensable role that each agency and organisation plays in contributing to the overall security landscape, and it is our belief that through coordination and information sharing, we can enhance our capacity to identify potential threats and swiftly respond to emerging challenges.

“I’m confident that our collective expertise and dedication will serve as the cornerstone for a robust early warning and early response system which prioritises the protection of our citizens. Let us collaborate, be united in our resolve to safeguard our communities, and uphold the principles of peace and security.

“By coming together, we have a unique opportunity to share insights, and engage in productive discussions.”

The meeting was in collaboration with Equal Access International and it focused on early warning early response (EWER).

Also at the meeting were chief executive officers of Hussaini, and non-governmental organisations in the state.

Gumel early January said that the command had already put in place security measures to ensure hitch-free electoral processes in the affected local Government Areas.

Gumel, who was represented by Abdullahi, said that the police would be visible in all the polling units to enable eligible residents in the six local government areas to participate in the exercise without threat to lives and property.

He warned leaders of political parties that would be participating in the election to prevail on their supporters to shun all kinds of political violence, ballot snatching, and thuggery during the exercise.

“Police will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute any person or group of persons found disrupting the peaceful political atmosphere the state is known for,” he said.