The Kano State Police Command has officially banned all Sallah Durbar celebrations ahead of the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr festivities, citing security threats and the need to maintain public order.
Announcing the decision at the Bompai Police Headquarters, Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Adamu Bakori revealed that intelligence reports suggested plans by certain groups to hijack the Durbar festivities for unrest. Following consultations with the state government and security stakeholders, the authorities deemed the ban necessary to prevent potential violence.
“In the interest of public safety and stability, and after a thorough security assessment, all Durbar activities for the 2025 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations are hereby prohibited across the state,” Bakori stated.
He urged worshippers to limit their activities to designated Eid prayer grounds while strictly adhering to security guidelines. These include a ban on horse riding (Kilisa), car racing, reckless driving, and the carrying of objects that could raise suspicion. Parents were also advised to caution their children against engaging in disruptive behavior.
The police assured residents that security personnel would be deployed to ensure a peaceful celebration. Bakori called on Kano citizens to prioritize peace and report any suspicious activities via emergency hotlines or the NPF Rescue Me app.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some residents supporting the move for security reasons while others lament the suspension of the iconic cultural tradition.
