The Jigawa State Police Command has warned troublemakers to stay away from the venue of President Bola Tinubu’s rally on Tuesday, November 10, as security agencies intensify preparations for the President’s first working visit to the state since assuming office in May 2023.
The warning comes as activities gather momentum in Dutse ahead of the presidential visit, which is expected to feature the commissioning of development projects, the unveiling of agricultural equipment and political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Dutse on Monday, Commissioner of Police Tijjani Murtala said adequate security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations across the state capital to protect the President, visiting dignitaries and residents.
He warned that the police would not allow individuals or groups to infiltrate the rally venue, disrupt public order or exploit the presidential visit to engage in criminal activities.
According to the commissioner, the security operation involves personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Department of State Services (DSS) and other supporting agencies.
Police Strengthen Security Ahead of Presidential Visit
Murtala explained that the command had commenced comprehensive security preparations through stakeholder engagement, operational planning and the deployment of personnel to identified strategic locations.
He disclosed that commanders of the various security agencies had already held a coordination meeting to strengthen cooperation and establish clear responsibilities before, during and after the presidential visit.
The command has also prepared an operational order to guide the deployment and activities of security personnel throughout the exercise.
In addition, the police commissioner said officers from the Police Mobile Force and tactical formations in other commands were being deployed to reinforce the existing security structure.
He expressed confidence that the security assessment conducted so far had not identified any major threat to the President’s visit, while assuring residents that the agencies would remain vigilant.
The commissioner also clarified that the security deployment was strictly intended to protect lives and property during the presidential engagement and should not be interpreted as a political campaign strategy.
Plain-Clothes Officers to Monitor Rally Crowd
Beyond protecting the President and securing the rally venue, the police command has identified petty crimes as another concern during large public gatherings.
Murtala warned that security agencies would not tolerate pickpocketing, mobile phone snatching and other criminal activities that could affect participants and visitors.
He disclosed that plain-clothes intelligence officers would operate within the crowd to identify and apprehend suspected criminals, while other security personnel would maintain surveillance around designated locations.
The commissioner urged residents to cooperate with security operatives and report suspicious movements or activities that could threaten public safety.
He also commended residents for their law-abiding conduct, describing Jigawa as peaceful while assuring the public that the command remained prepared to respond to any emerging security challenge.
Although the state had not recorded any significant security threat relating to terrorism and banditry, he stressed that the police would not take the security situation for granted.
Tinubu Expected to Commission Projects in Dutse
President Tinubu’s visit is expected to provide an opportunity for the Jigawa State Government to showcase selected infrastructure, agricultural and skills-development initiatives.
Governor Umar Namadi disclosed that the President would inaugurate several projects in Dutse during the one-day visit.
Among the planned activities is the unveiling of 400 tractors fitted with implements, 60 combined harvesters, 150 threshers and 150 boom sprayers to support agricultural production.
The agricultural equipment programme is expected to strengthen mechanisation, improve farming efficiency and support food production across the state.
Other projects scheduled for inauguration include the Renewed Hope Technical Services Centre, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multipurpose Skills Acquisition Centre and the newly dualised Garo Road in Dutse.
Governor Namadi said the projects were selected from the administration’s wider development initiatives because of the limited time available during the President’s visit.
He explained that his government had executed projects across Jigawa’s 27 local government areas, although the President would only be able to commission selected facilities within the state capital.
The governor also said his administration had completed logistical arrangements and was working with security agencies to ensure a smooth presidential visit.
Political Engagement Ahead of 2027 Elections
Apart from the official project inaugurations, Tinubu is expected to participate in political engagements as the All Progressives Congress (APC) strengthens its mobilisation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The President’s appearance at a rally in Dutse will provide an opportunity for the ruling party to engage supporters, mobilise party members and reinforce its political relationship with Jigawa State.
The state is an important part of the APC’s northern political structure, and the visit is expected to attract party leaders, elected officials, traditional representatives and supporters from different parts of the state.
The political activities will take place separately from the official commissioning programme, although both are expected to draw large crowds and require coordinated security arrangements.
Governor Namadi has expressed confidence that residents from the state’s 27 local government areas will turn out to welcome the President.
Police Urge Residents to Cooperate
As preparations enter their final stage, the Jigawa Police Command has appealed to residents, political supporters and other visitors to comply with security instructions and avoid actions that could disrupt the programme.
The command’s warning reflects the need to maintain public order during high-profile political gatherings, where large crowds, movements of dignitaries and restricted security zones can create additional operational challenges.
Security agencies are expected to maintain coordination throughout the visit, while intelligence officers monitor developments around the rally venue and other designated locations.
For the Jigawa State Government, the visit offers an opportunity to present its development projects and agricultural investments to the President and the wider public.
For the police, however, the immediate priority remains ensuring that the programme proceeds without violence, criminal activity or any breach of public safety.
With additional personnel deployed and security arrangements in place, the command has reiterated that anyone attempting to disrupt the presidential visit or engage in criminal conduct will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
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