UPDATED: Protest hits Kano over planned military intervention in Niger

Some protesters have taken to the streets in Kano State to kick against the imminent use of force to resolve the Niger coup crisis.

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) had directed military forces of the member states to be on standby.

The protesters on Saturday embarked on the demonstration on Ibrahim Taiwo Road to show their displeasure at the planned military invasion of Niger Republic.

While moving in a procession, they were chanting “Nigeriens are our brothers, Nigeriens are also our family.

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“Niger is ours, we don’t want war, war against Niger is injustice, a plot by the western forces.”

They displayed Nigeria and Niger’s flags alongside placards, chanting anti-war catchphrases.

Among the protesters were members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN).

This followed an intense call from different quarters, especially Northerners who believe that Nigeriens are neighbours with whom they share things in common.
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the Commissioner of Police, Hussaini Gumel told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the police did not give approval for any protest and as such the police were not aware of the protest.

“You can see we are just coming back from the Passing-Out ceremony of graduands of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, where about 169 cadet officers were commissioned by President Tinubu.

“So, frankly speaking I have not given any person or group of residents permit to embark on demonstration because of the political happenings in our next-door neighbour, Niger Republic.

“You can see Kano is a peaceful State and we will continue to provide security to enable residents to move about their businesses without threats to lives and property,” he said.