The Kano State Police Command has arrested a suspect allegedly responsible for circulating audio and video messages considered capable of inciting public disorder and creating panic among residents.
Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, Commissioner of Police in the state, disclosed this while briefing journalists on Thursday, noting that the arrest followed intelligence reports about the spread of the inflammatory materials across social media platforms.
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Bakori said the suspect was apprehended during a sting operation and is currently undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations.
The police boss explained that the development may not be unconnected with attempts to heighten political and religious tensions in the state, particularly in the wake of growing public reactions to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
According to him, the circulating messages were capable of exploiting sensitive sentiments and disrupting the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.
The command described the inflammatory statements as a serious threat to public peace, adding that the suspect would face the full weight of the law if found culpable at the end of investigations.
The police strongly condemned the creation and dissemination of such content, warning individuals engaged in spreading false or inciting information to desist immediately or risk arrest and prosecution.
“The Command will not tolerate any form of hate speech, incitement or violence capable of threatening the peaceful coexistence of residents,” Bakori said.
He reassured residents that adequate security measures had been deployed across the state to prevent any breach of peace and maintain public safety.
The police commissioner added that the command is working closely with other security agencies to monitor the situation and respond swiftly to any emerging threat.
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Residents were urged to remain calm but vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency lines.
Bakori also appealed to community and religious leaders, traditional rulers and other stakeholders to promote peace, tolerance and unity among residents.
