BREAKING: Kano Police Ban Durbar Activities for Sallah Celebration Over Security Concerns

The Kano State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has banned all Durbar activities during the 2025 Eid-El-Fitr celebrations, citing security concerns and the need to maintain public order.

Durbar, a festival traditionally held during Eid-el-Kabir and Eid-el-Fitr, involves prayers followed by a grand parade of the Emir and his entourage on horseback. However, Commissioner of Police (CP) Ibrahim Adamu Bakori announced the ban during a press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters on Friday, stressing the importance of ensuring a peaceful and secure environment.

According to CP Bakori, security assessments indicated growing tensions and potential threats linked to the event. “Following credible intelligence reports of orchestrated plans by miscreants and their sponsors to exploit the Durbar for disruptive activities, the Command, in consultation with the Kano State Government and other key stakeholders, has decided to prohibit all Durbar activities across the state,” he stated.

The Commissioner assured residents that security measures had been put in place to safeguard Eid prayers at designated grounds. He urged worshippers to adhere to security guidelines, including avoiding unnecessary objects that could raise suspicion. He also emphasised the strict prohibition of horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, and reckless driving.

CP Bakori appealed to parents and guardians to prevent their children from being used by subversive elements and called for public cooperation in maintaining peace. “As we celebrate, let us remember that peace is paramount. We must put aside our differences and work together as law-abiding citizens for the progress of our state and nation,” he urged.

The Police Command also encouraged continued collaboration with security agencies and urged residents to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.

The decision follows the announcement by the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, that he had halted plans for the Sallah Durbar in the interest of peace. Earlier, Ado Bayero had requested police protection for the event, but concerns arose over potential violence, especially as the 16th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi, was also preparing for Sallah celebrations.