By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Police Command has reiterated its enforcement of the ban on Durbar, horse-riding, and other animal-riding activities across the state, warning individuals, institutions, and organisations against violating the directive.
The command said the Kano State Government, in consultation with relevant security agencies, kept the restriction in force as part of measures to preserve public peace and maintain security across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Kano State Command, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, said this on Friday, October 2, 2026, during a joint security press briefing at the Bompai Police Headquarters in Kano.
Bakori said security agencies had received reports of possible breaches of the directive, stressing that the security concerns that led to the ban remained unresolved.
“The Kano State Police Command, in conjunction with relevant security agencies in the state, hereby reiterates that these executive security directives regarding the ban on Durbar/horse-riding activities are still in force and binding on all persons in the state, irrespective of status or position,” he said.
The latest directive comes amid renewed controversy over horse-riding activities involving supporters of Kano’s two rival emirate camps.
The state government imposed the restriction after a public procession by the 15th Emir of Kano, Aminu Ado Bayero, on September 27, citing security concerns and the risk of confrontation between supporters of rival camps.
However, on Thursday, October 1, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II rode on horseback to the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano to attend the Independence Anniversary celebration, despite the government’s ban on horse-riding.
Horse-riding has traditionally been associated with Kano’s Durbar culture. However, authorities have previously imposed restrictions due to concerns about indiscriminate riding in public places.
In 2020, the Kano Emirate Council announced a ban on indiscriminate horse-riding and unofficial Durbar activities within the metropolis, citing reports of injuries, deaths, property damage and alleged criminal activities involving some riders.
Speaking on the current security situation, Bakori said law enforcement and security agencies’ primary responsibility was to maintain public peace, safety, and order.
He stressed that the authorities would not allow activities capable of undermining public safety, adding that security agencies had agreed on additional measures to ensure proper coordination and coverage.
“For the avoidance of doubt, in order to strengthen security coordination and to ensure proper security coverage, this Joint Security Meeting has resolved” that any person, institution or organisation seeking to undertake any form of Durbar or horse/animal-riding activity in a public place must give at least 72 hours’ prior written notice to the Kano State Police Command.
He explained that the notice must be submitted through the Office of the Commissioner of Police to enable security agencies to conduct the necessary security assessment and make appropriate arrangements for public safety and order.
“All concerned are therefore urged to comply strictly with all lawful security directives and to cooperate with the security agencies,” Bakori said.
The Commissioner assured residents that law enforcement and security agencies remained united and committed to enforcing the law and safeguarding public peace and order across Kano State.
He added that the directive applied to everyone in the state, irrespective of status or position.