The Kano State Police Command has reiterated the ban on all Durbar activities across the state during the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, citing security concerns.

The announcement comes just hours after the Kano Emirate Council issued a circular under the directive of the 16th Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, inviting traditional leaders and their horsemen to participate in the annual Sallah Durbar festivities.

In a statement released on Tuesday and jointly issued with sister security agencies, the police congratulated Muslim faithful and law-abiding residents ahead of the Eid celebrations, while urging strict adherence to public safety directives.

The police noted that following credible intelligence and prior security assessments, all forms of Durbar activities remained banned throughout the state, a measure earlier announced during the last Eid-el-Fitr and still considered necessary due to ongoing threats.

“The threats which prompted the earlier decision are still potent and have not been fully neutralised,” the statement read. “There are intelligence reports indicating plans by miscreants and their sponsors to hijack the Durbar celebration and use it to undermine public peace, as recorded during the last Sallah festivities.”

To maintain law and order, the Command outlined a series of restrictions, including a ban on horse or animal riding (Kilisa); a ban on car racing and reckless driving; prohibition of unlawful possession or display of firearms or weapons and warning against carrying dangerous or suspicious items in public.

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The police also called on parents and guardians to caution their wards against being recruited by “subversive elements,” stressing that security agencies would enforce the directives to the letter.

The statement urged citizens to embrace the spirit of the season with responsibility, adding: “As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us pray for the peace and progress of Kano State, Nigeria, and for the souls of the athletes recently lost in a tragic road accident returning from the National Sports Festival.”

The police directive, however, appeared to contradict an earlier circular issued by the Kano Emirate Council with reference number KEC/BCC/31A/2025/12.

Solacebase reports that in preparation for the event, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi has directed all district heads and members of the Kano Emirate Council to convene in Kano for pre-durbar activities and official briefings.

According to the circular signed by the Secretary of the Kano Emirate Council, Alhaji Abba Yusuf Danmakwayon Kano, the district heads and titleholders are expected to arrive in Kano on Wednesday, 8th Dhul Hijjah, 1446 AH (June 4, 2025), accompanied by their ceremonial horses and riders.

They are scheduled to report to the Emir’s Palace on Thursday, 9th Dhul Hijjah (June 5, 2025) at 11:00 a.m. for a formal palace sitting, during which His Highness will issue directives and provide guidance on the conduct of this year’s durbar.

The Emirate stated that all logistical support, including coordination with local government authorities, was being arranged to facilitate the event.