Residents of Kaduna, Kano, and Katsina States largely disregarded the one-million-man protests scheduled for Saturday, opting instead to go about their usual daily activities.
According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), markets, motor parks, and other commercial enterprises operated as usual, with no noticeable signs of protest.
In Kaduna, security forces were seen patrolling major streets to ensure public safety and protect key infrastructure. Despite the planned protests, residents remained focused on their routine activities. A security source, speaking anonymously, said, “We have no issue with anybody as the people are going about their activities lawfully.”
The Kaduna State Government had previously issued a warning against unverified processions, citing concerns about potential criminal elements disguising themselves as protesters. “Criminals masquerading as protesters will not be permitted to wreak havoc,” stated Mr. Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs. He added, “The Kaduna State Security Council recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to freedom of expression and lawful assembly, but we cannot allow criminals to use these protests as a cover for looting and vandalism.”
In Kano, residents also showed little interest in the protests, with commercial activities continuing uninterrupted across the city. Hajiya Binta Ishaku, a resident of Fagge Local Government Area, expressed her support for the increased security presence, saying, “We need more military personnel to protect our shops and businesses from looters.”
In Katsina, the situation was similar, with residents ignoring calls for protest and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Aliyu, emphasized that the ban on protests and unlawful assemblies remained in force across the state. “We call on the good people of Katsina State to continue to cooperate with the police and other security agencies to maintain peace and security,” he said.
Despite the planned protests, normalcy prevailed across the three states, with residents choosing stability and peace over unrest.
