The Kano State Police Command has reaffirmed its stance on restricting all forms of Durbar activities as preparations for the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations begin across the state. This announcement came through a public statement issued on June 3, 2025, in collaboration with other security agencies operating in the region.
In the statement released by the command's Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, authorities extended warm wishes to Muslim faithful and law-abiding residents for peaceful Sallah celebrations while emphasizing the importance of maintaining law and order throughout the festive period.
Security Concerns Behind the Restriction
The police highlighted that the Durbar restriction, initially imposed during the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations earlier in 2025, remains in effect due to credible intelligence suggesting potential security threats. According to the statement, certain individuals and their sponsors were allegedly planning to use the traditional horse-riding festival to disrupt peace and security in the state.
"The Command therefore reiterates that the ban on all forms of Durbar in the state is still in force and will be strictly enforced during this 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, as the threats which have been put to serious checks are still potent," the statement emphasized.
Specific Security Measures
The Command outlined several specific security measures to be observed during the celebrations:
No horse or animal riding of any kind (Kilisa)
No car racing, reckless, or dangerous driving
No unlawful possession or reckless display of firearms or weapons
No carrying of unnecessary or dangerous objects that may trigger suspicion
Parents and guardians were specifically advised to caution their children and wards against being used by subversive elements during the festive period. The Command assured residents that adequate public order preventive measures have been put in place to ensure safety throughout the celebrations.
Conflicting Directives
The police announcement comes shortly after the 16th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, reportedly instructed his district heads to begin preparations for the Eid-el-Kabir (Babbar Sallah) durbar celebrations, creating a potential conflict between traditional authorities and security agencies.
The Command concluded its statement by encouraging residents to use the festive period to pray for Kano State and Nigeria at large, while also remembering the Kano athletes who lost their lives while returning from the National Sports Festival.
Security agencies have emphasized their readiness to strictly enforce these measures and warned the public against any acts likely to cause a breach of peace during the celebrations.
