The Kaduna State Security Council, led by Governor Uba Sani, has lifted the 6pm to 8am curfew in Kaduna and Zaria towns with immediate effect.
The decision follows an extensive review of the security situation, which deemed the curfew no longer necessary, according to the Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan in a statement on Tuesday.
He said law-abiding citizens are now free to move and engage in legitimate activities without restriction.
The Security Council, however, warned that processions or gatherings must be verified with relevant agencies to maintain law and order.
According to the statement, security forces will continue to monitor potential threats to public peace and prosecute individuals or groups posing such threats.
The statement quoted Governor Sani to have commended security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and stakeholders for their roles in containing recent unrest.
He assured them of his commitment to inclusive and participatory governance, ensuring peace, unity, and development in Kaduna State.
The statement read, “After an extensive review of the security situation in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs, the Kaduna State Security Council under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani has removed the current 6pm to 8am curfew completely.
“The removal of the curfew is effective immediately, from today Tuesday, 13th August 2024.
“With this development, law-abiding citizens are free to move and engage in legitimate activities in Kaduna and Zaria towns and their environs with no restriction. “
It added, “The Kaduna State Security Council during the extensive assessment held last night unanimously recommended the removal of the curfew and reiterated its commitment to the security and safety of the citizenry in Kaduna State.
“The Security Council also warned that processions or gatherings must be verified with the relevant agencies to avoid any breakdown of law and order, and for the overall security of the general public.
“The Council further disclosed that security forces will continue to be on the lookout for threats to public peace, and will prosecute persons or groups posing such threats.
“Governor Sani, presiding over the briefing, commended the leadership of the security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and all critical stakeholders for the roles they played in containing the unfortunate events which followed the protest in Kaduna and Zaria.
“The Governor assured the critical stakeholders of his inclusive and participatory stance, and that he would continue to engage them towards ensuring the peace, unity and development of Kaduna State.”
The Punch reports that the protesters regrouped and marched through the city’s major streets, waving the Russian flags.
The development forced the state government to slammed a 24-hour curfew on Kaduna and Zaria Metropolitan cities on Monday.
However, the 24-hour curfew was reviewed to take effect from 6pm to 8am daily to allow citizens to move freely and carry out their legitimate activities.