The Jigawa State Police Command has warned miscreants to steer clear of the venue of the rally ahead of President Bola Tinubu visit on Tuesday or face the wrath of the law.

The warning was issued as preparations intensified for the President first working visit to Jigawa State since the inception of his administration on May 29, 2023.

Security agencies say they are determined to ensure a peaceful and hitch free visit.

PUNCH Online gathered that the President would be making his first working visit to the state since he assumed office. He is expected to inaugurate projects and participate in political engagements ahead of the 2027 general elections, a development that has heightened activities in Dutse and other parts of the state. Governor Umar Namadi has said the state is fully ready to receive the President.

Briefing journalists on Monday at the command headquarters in Dutse, the Jigawa State Commissioner of Police, Tijjani Murtala, said adequate security personnel had been deployed to strategic locations in the state capital. He said the security arrangement involved personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services and other supporting security agencies. He said the command had also prepared an operational order to guide the security operation.

The commissioner added that additional personnel, including Police Mobile Force officers from other commands and tactical formations, were being deployed. However, he expressed confidence that the security assessment conducted so far showed no major threat to the President visit, assuring residents that measures were in place to protect lives and property. He said Jigawa State remains very peaceful and commended the people for their law abiding nature.

He said, We will not allow any disgruntled elements to infiltrate the gathering or take advantage of the President visit to cause any security breach. He also warned that security agencies would not overlook criminal activities associated with large gatherings, particularly pickpocketing, phone snatching and other petty crimes. He revealed that plain clothes intelligence officers would be deployed within the crowd to identify and apprehend suspected criminals, while other operatives would maintain surveillance around designated venues.

Murtala stressed that although the state had not recorded any significant security threats relating to terrorism and banditry, the command remained vigilant and prepared for any emerging challenge. He further clarified that the deployment of adequate personnel was strictly part of comprehensive security arrangements for the presidential visit and not a political campaign strategy.

The clarification was aimed at assuring residents that the security presence was for safety, not intimidation.

During the visit, the President is expected to commission projects including the Renewed Hope Technical Services Centre, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Multipurpose Skills Acquisition Centre, 400 tractors with complete implements, 60 combine harvesters, 150 seeders, and the newly constructed dual carriageway Garu road leading to the Emir of Dutse palace. Governor Namadi has urged residents to turn out in large numbers to welcome the President.

The police have urged residents to cooperate with security personnel and report suspicious movements to ensure a successful visit.