The Kaduna State Police Command has announced movement restrictions for heavy-duty vehicles across the Kaduna metropolis ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled visit for the inauguration of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally.
The restriction will take effect from midnight until 8:00 p.m. on Saturday as part of measures to manage traffic and strengthen security during the event.
Tinubu is expected to arrive in Kaduna accompanied by senior government officials for the inaugural launch of the APC presidential campaign rally, which is expected to attract party leaders, supporters and other dignitaries.
The state Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Rabiu, disclosed the directive during a security briefing in Kaduna on Thursday. He explained that the restriction was intended to prevent traffic congestion and ensure the uninterrupted movement of the presidential convoy and other authorised vehicles during the visit.
According to Rabiu, the decision was reached following consultations between the state security committee and transport unions operating in the state. He said the agreement was designed to coordinate traffic management and minimise disruptions during the presidential engagement.
“After due consultation and consideration between the security committee and members of all transport unions in the state, it is hereby agreed that there is going to be restriction of movement from 12:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday,” he said.
The police commissioner clarified that the directive would affect only heavy-duty vehicles, including trailers, tankers and lorries, while motorists using other categories of vehicles would be permitted to move without being subjected to the restriction.
Rabiu further disclosed that the command had coordinated security preparations with the military, the State Security Service and other relevant agencies to ensure adequate protection throughout the president’s visit. He said the arrangements were intended to safeguard Tinubu, visiting dignitaries, political supporters and residents before, during and after the rally.
He added that security personnel would be deployed across the campaign venue and other strategic points within the metropolis. The deployment would comprise regular police officers, tactical units, explosive ordnance disposal teams, traffic management personnel and crowd-control operatives to maintain order and respond to potential security threats.
As part of the preparations, the commissioner urged individuals without official assignments or other legitimate reasons to be at the rally venue to avoid the location, surrounding areas and designated security zones. He said the advisory was necessary to prevent unnecessary crowding and allow the presidential convoy to move freely.
To minimise disruptions along major transport corridors, the command also announced alternative routes for heavy-duty vehicles during the restricted period. Trucks and other heavy vehicles travelling from Zaria towards Kaduna were directed to take the Maraban Jos–Saminaka route towards Gadan Gayan, proceed through the Kujama Road connection to Mararaba Rido, and use the Eastern Bypass before rejoining the Abuja-Kaduna Highway through Kakau Bridge.
In the opposite direction, heavy-duty vehicles travelling from Abuja towards Kaduna and Zaria were advised to enter the Eastern Bypass through Kakau Bridge, continue through Mararaba Rido and Gadan Gayan, and connect to the Maraban Jos route leading towards Zaria.
Rabiu called on political party officials, supporters and residents to maintain peace and exercise restraint throughout the activities. He warned that the command would take a firm stance against political thuggery, violence, intimidation, incitement and the possession or display of dangerous weapons, stressing the need for all stakeholders to comply with security directives.
