The Kaduna State Police Command has announced movement restrictions for trailers, tankers and other heavy-duty vehicles in Kaduna metropolis from midnight to 8 p.m. on Saturday ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state.

The restriction is intended to ease traffic congestion and ensure the smooth movement of the presidential convoy and other dignitaries expected in the state for the inaugural All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally.

The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, announced the measure on Thursday during a security briefing in Kaduna, explaining that it followed consultations between the state security committee and transport unions.

He clarified that the directive applied exclusively to heavy-duty vehicles, noting that other road users would be allowed to move freely.

Rabiu said the police, in collaboration with the military, Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies, had put comprehensive security arrangements in place to safeguard the president, government officials, political supporters and residents before, during and after the event.

He disclosed that the deployment would include regular police officers, tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal personnel, traffic management officers and crowd-control units stationed at the rally venue and other strategic locations.

The commissioner also advised people without official or legitimate business at the campaign venue to avoid the location, its immediate surroundings and designated security zones to prevent congestion and allow security operations to proceed smoothly.

As part of efforts to minimise disruption to traffic, the command announced alternative routes for heavy-duty vehicles travelling through the affected areas.

Vehicles coming from Zaria towards Kaduna were directed to divert through Maraban Jos and Saminaka towards Gadan Gayan, before using the Kujama Road link to Mararaba Rido and the Eastern Bypass. They would then reconnect with the Abuja-Kaduna Highway through Kakau Bridge.

Similarly, heavy-duty vehicles travelling from Abuja towards Kaduna and Zaria were advised to access the Eastern Bypass through Kakau Bridge, proceed through Mararaba Rido and Gadan Gayan, and connect to the Maraban Jos route towards Zaria.

Rabiu urged political party leaders, supporters and residents to maintain peace throughout the visit, warning that the command would take action against political thuggery, violence, intimidation, incitement and the possession or display of dangerous weapons.

“Let me issue a firm and unequivocal warning that the Kaduna State Police Command will not tolerate political thuggery, violence, intimidation, incitement and possession and brandishing of dangerous weapons,” he said.

He also warned against the destruction of campaign posters, stating that anyone found engaging in such acts would face the consequences prescribed by law.

The police commissioner called on residents to provide security agencies with credible and timely information about suspicious activities, potential violence and individuals found carrying weapons.

He further cautioned social media users and bloggers against publishing content intended to abuse or harm others, warning that such conduct could attract sanctions under applicable cybercrime laws.

Rabiu appealed to journalists and members of the public to cooperate with security agencies to ensure a peaceful and orderly presidential visit.

“I appeal to the members of the public that let us make this event a success. We should eschew violence and try to use all means to ensure that this event is successful,” he said.