The Yobe State Security Council has commended residents for maintaining peace during the ongoing political party primaries, while warning politicians against acts capable of disrupting public order.
The council, chaired by Gov. Mai Mala Buni, gave the commendation after a security meeting held in Damaturu.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Usman Kamfani Jibrin, said the council urged aggrieved persons or groups to seek redress through lawful and constituted channels.
Jibrin said security agencies in the state remained fully alert and prepared to deal decisively with any attempt to breach the peace.
He warned that individuals or groups involved in sponsoring or participating in political thuggery and violence would face the full weight of the law.
The police commissioner also disclosed that security agencies had uncovered plans by some politicians to import thugs into the state to cause unrest.
“We are working on the identity of the sponsors and anyone involved,” he said.
Jibrin further cautioned politicians against holding political rallies outside the approved timetable.
“There is a timetable for every political activity and it is not yet time for political rallies,” he warned.
In a related development, the state government advised residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements within their communities.
The Adviser on Security Affairs to the Governor, Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (rtd), said some criminals fleeing ongoing military operations were seeking refuge in communities across the state.
He urged residents to promptly report any strange persons or suspicious activities to security agencies.
According to him, anyone found harbouring criminals would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The statement was signed by Mamman Mohammed, Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to the Governor.
