The police command in Kaduna has restricted heavy-duty vehicles in the Kaduna metropolis from midnight to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday ahead of President Bola Tinubu’s visit.

Mr Tinubu is expected in Kaduna, alongside other top government officials, for the inaugural launch of the All Progressives Congress presidential campaign rally.

The police commissioner, Muhammad Rabiu, who announced the restriction during a security briefing on Thursday in Kaduna, said it aimed to reduce traffic congestion and ensure smooth movement during the presidential visit.

Mr Rabiu said the decision followed consultations between the state security committee and transport unions.

“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.

He clarified that the restriction applied only to trailers, tankers, lorries and other heavy-duty vehicles, adding that other road users would not be affected.

The police chief said the command, in collaboration with the military, State Security Service and other security agencies, had put comprehensive security arrangements in place ahead of the visit. He said the measures were designed to protect the president, dignitaries, political supporters and members of the public before, during and after the events.

According to him, the deployment would include conventional police personnel, tactical teams, explosive ordnance disposal units, traffic management officers and crowd-control teams at the campaign venue and other strategic locations.

Mr Rabiu advised persons without legitimate business at the campaign venue to stay away from the site, its immediate surroundings and designated security zones to prevent congestion and facilitate the movement of the presidential convoy.

He also announced alternative routes for heavy-duty vehicles to ease traffic flow during the restriction, advising vehicles travelling from Zaria towards Kaduna to divert through Maraban Jos and Saminaka towards Gadan Gayan, then use the Kujama Road link to Mararaba Rido and the Eastern Bypass before reconnecting with the Abuja-Kaduna Highway through Kakau Bridge.

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

Mr Rabiu urged political party leaders, supporters and residents to conduct themselves peacefully, warning that the command would not tolerate political thuggery, violence, intimidation, incitement or the possession and brandishing of dangerous weapons.

(NAN)