Security has been tightened across Kaduna metropolis, with personnel deployed to protect campaign posters and billboards of President Bola Tinubu ahead of his expected visit to the state on Saturday.
The deployment comes ahead of the planned flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) 2027 presidential campaign at the Kaduna Township Stadium.
Daily Trust reports that personnel of the Kaduna State Traffic Law Enforcement Authority (KASTLEA) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been assigned to protect campaign materials, particularly along major roads leading to the stadium.
A security operative, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some personnel had been deployed to guard the materials from the Township Stadium area to Kawo.
“We were assigned alongside KASTLEA marshals to protect Tinubu’s billboards and posters from being vandalised before the campaign rally. Our duty is mostly at night because that is when the youths can carry out such acts,” the operative said.
The source added that the assignment followed a circular directing selected personnel to provide security for the campaign materials.
Meanwhile, a correspondent who monitored security arrangements across the metropolis observed police officers and plain-clothes operatives stationed at major roads and roundabouts, monitoring motorists and other road users.
Police patrol vehicles were also sighted around the rally venue and along Ahmadu Bello Way, including the roundabout near the former NEPA office.
Armed police officers were similarly observed around the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital roundabout as preparations intensified.
Kaduna Stadium Gets a Facelift
The Kaduna Township Stadium, the venue of the expected campaign flag-off, has been renovated and decorated ahead of Tinubu’s arrival.
The approximately 8,000-capacity stadium has been repainted and adorned with APC flags, while roads leading to the venue feature campaign billboards and posters of Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.
An inspection of the facility showed that the conveniences, pavilion and other facilities had been prepared for guests expected at the rally.
The stadium, which shares a boundary with the Kaduna State Police Command headquarters, was also surrounded by heightened security, with vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Police Force’s special response team stationed near the entrance.
Access to the venue has been restricted ahead of the event.
A Kaduna resident, Umar Abdullahi, said the stadium had undergone a noticeable transformation.
“They have decorated the place with APC flags and billboards of the president and other political aspirants. The whole stadium has a new look,” he said.
He added that security personnel, particularly police officers, had been seen around the venue.
Balarabe Expresses Satisfaction With Preparations
The chairperson of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the campaign flag-off and Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, has expressed satisfaction with preparations for the event.
Balarabe spoke on Wednesday evening after inspecting facilities at the stadium alongside members of her team.
“I’m comfortable with what has been done so far; we have the holding area, the conveniences are ready, the pavilions are ready. What remains is the markings for the different states,” she said.
The deputy governor said the committee had held extensive discussions with security professionals at the state and federal levels to ensure adequate arrangements before, during and after the rally.
She added that attendees would undergo security screening before being allowed into the stadium and assured them of their safety.
Balarabe also expressed confidence in a large turnout of party members and supporters from across the country, describing the North-West as an APC stronghold.
Hotels Fully Booked Ahead of Rally
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said mobilisation was ongoing ahead of the event.
Maiyaki added that hotels and service apartments across Kaduna metropolis had been fully booked, reflecting preparations for the expected influx of visitors.
He described Kaduna’s hosting of the campaign flag-off as a privilege and said residents were eager to welcome the president.
Tinubu is expected to attend the rally alongside governors from the seven North-West states, with party supporters and political stakeholders anticipated to converge on Kaduna for the event.
