Protest-Proofing: Kano Market Recruits 800 Security Guards to Stop Looters, Vandals

In response to the ongoing protests in Kano State, the management of Dawanau International Grains Market, located in the Dawakin Tofa Local Government Area, has taken proactive measures to protect the market from looters and vandals. The market has hired over 800 security officers to ensure its safety.

Muntaka Isa, the president of the market’s association, confirmed this development during a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. He emphasized that the decision was made to safeguard the market from potential theft and vandalism, which have been significant concerns amid the unrest.

Isa highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Nigerian Army, police, and other state security agencies, which have significantly bolstered the market’s security. Additionally, 400 members of the local vigilance group have been recruited to support the security guards in maintaining order.

The market has faced threats from criminal elements in nearby communities, including Bachirawa and Kurnan Asabe, who have attempted to breach the market and steal food during the protests. The presence of the additional security personnel is expected to deter these criminal activities and protect the market’s assets.

Isa reiterated the market administration’s commitment to supporting the security personnel in their efforts to protect public property from vandalism. He also appealed to local residents to cooperate with the security forces by providing reliable information on the whereabouts of criminals, ensuring the safety of the market and its stakeholders.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Government has announced that the six-hour relaxation of the curfew, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., will continue on Monday and in the coming days. This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Information, Baba Halilu Dantiye, on behalf of the Executive Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Dantiye explained that the decision to maintain the curfew relaxation was made after reviewing the situation and considering the challenges faced by residents. He assured the public that the government remains concerned about the security of lives and property and that the curfew will be further reviewed as the security situation improves.

The curfew was initially imposed for 24 hours last Thursday following violent incidents that erupted during the #EndBadGovernance protests. On Saturday, the curfew was relaxed for six hours, and this policy will remain in place for the foreseeable future to allow residents to conduct their daily activities during the permitted hours.